‘Two died before my eyes’: Chilling eyewitness account opens debate on stampede tragedy
Bengaluru: As Karnataka celebrated Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first IPL victory in 18 years, a joyous occasion turned into tragedy when a stampede broke out at the celebratory event organised at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming at least 11 lives and leaving several injured.
Thousands of fans had gathered at the venue to cheer the team, but overcrowding and poor crowd management led to a deadly rush. Among the victims were fans from both Karnataka and other states.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati, Chetan from Mysuru, who survived the incident, said, “Two people died right in front of me. Women were in great distress. Someone stepped over my shoulder – it felt like a near-death experience. There was no police or stadium staff to help us.”
Chinmay from Nanjangud said the incident occurred around 3:30 pm. “Only four gates were open for thousands. Many couldn’t even enter the stadium and were crushed outside. Ambulances took over two hours to arrive,” he added.
The grandfather of Divyanshi, a 13-year-old girl who died in the stampede, said the family had just reached the venue when they were informed to rush to Bowring Hospital – “We were told Dimple didn’t make it,” he said, devastated.
Many of the injured were women. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos near Gates 18 and 19, with barricades trampled and a young woman bleeding from her nose shouting for help.
The majority of the deceased were from economically weaker sections. Several families are yet to trace their loved ones. Fans are demanding government jobs for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
