The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has now put a major verdict wherein it held that the Royal Challengers Bangalore acted as the principal reason for that ill-fated stampede in Bangalore during the IPL celebrations after the victory of its team. The tribunal also rescinded the order of suspension of Vikash Kumar Vikash-instant Senior IPS officer and termed this action against him totally uncalled for.
Bengaluru Stampede (June 4, 2025)
- Event: A victory parade and celebration was held by RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- Announcement: Such announcement was given through mediums of social media.
- Crowd Size: There were more than 300,000–500,000 people even when the stadium could take only 35,000 people.
- Tragedy: It caused the stampede outside the venue killing and injuring about 11 and more than 50.
- Reason: Lack of controlling the crowd, lack of planning, and no coordination with police were cited.
Government Action (June 5, 2025)
- Police Blamed: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah suspended five officers including:
- Vikash Kumar Vikash (Additional Commissioner)
- B Dayananda (City Police Commissioner)
- Shekhar Tekkannavar (DCP)
Legal Action: FIRs filed against
- RCB Management
- KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association)
- DNA Entertainment (Event Partner)
- Tribunal Verdict (July 1, 2025)
- Suspending Quashed: CAT set aside the suspension of IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash.
Key Findings
- RCB acted without police permission, creating a situation beyond the control of police.
- Officer was found not negligent and no evidence was found showing any misconduct.
- The tribunal said police are “not magicians” and do not have “Aladdin’s lamp” to control such massive, sudden crowds.
Relief Ordered: Vikash’s suspension period to be counted as active duty with full salary.
Recommendation: Similar reinstation should be considered to the other officers.
Government Response (July 2, 2025)
- Appeal in all Likelihood: CM Siddaramaiah declared that the state is mulling over approaching a higher court to challenge the CAT verdict.
- Under Inquiry: A wide-ranging investigation is ongoing under a judicial probe headed by Justice D’cunha.
How it might affect RCB
1. Legal Implications
- Still facing FIRs, possibly refrained from facing accountability, civil/criminal liability.
- May be summoned by judicial inquiry or penalized later.
2. Reputational Damage
- Tribunal directly puts blame on RCB for failing to coordinate with authorities.
- Such places can damage brand trust among its fans and sponsors.
3. Operational Overhaul
- Update event planning protocols.
- Coordination with civic agencies to become a requirement going forward.
4. Pressure from Sponsors and BCCI
- Possible impact on corporate partnerships due to constant scrutiny.
- BCCI may frame other guidelines on post-tournament events.
Conclusion
While IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash is reinstated, RCB now finds itself not only in further credibility crisis but also possibly entangled in legal fallouts. The incident, for which judicial probe continues, is surely going to change or reshape the way large-scale sports celebrations are organized in India.
Written by RITESH SINGH
