RCB Celebration Stampede: KSCA Dragged Into Row as K’taka Govt Accused of Cover-Up Over Late Approval Letter

After the tragic stampede at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium that took 11 lives and injured many, shocking new details have come to light about the last-minute approval for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration.

Reports say the Bengaluru Police did not give permission for the event until 11 AM on June 4, 2025 - the very day the celebration was held.

Under heavy pressure to hold the parade on June 4 itself, DNA Entertainment Networks, the company organising the event, reportedly got permission with the help of K. Govindaraju, Political Secretary to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. After this, the event setup quickly began near Vidhana Soudha, with a big stage, barricades, and sound systems being installed. The DNA team was held back until 11 AM. It was only after intervention from the secretary that they were finally granted access. Meanwhile, another function was being set up inside Chinnaswamy Stadium at the same time.

Adding fuel to the fire, a government letter has gone viral on social media, revealing a confusing timeline. The letter, mentioning June 4, 2025, is addressed to the KSCA Chinnaswamy Stadium and states that the Hon'ble Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister would attend the ceremony. However, the government's signature and date stamp on the letter are marked June 5 - next day after the event and stampede actually took place.

In the letter, the government stipulated that KSCA must pay an advance of ₹15 lakh for setting up the stage. However, DNA Entertainment Networks - the event management firm that erected the stage in front of Vidhana Soudha - is now reportedly showing discrepancies in its financial accounts.

This discrepancy has ignited public outrage, with many accusing the government of approving the event after the fact and trying to blame the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for the mishandling.

The letter, addressed to the CEO of KSCA, officially allows the event to be held in the presence of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, with a cash award sanctioned for the players. However, the conflicting dates have become the center of a heated debate, with critics questioning the government's role in managing the event.

Social media users and opposition leaders have highlighted these inconsistencies as evidence of a government cover-up. The viral letter is seen as an attempt to shift blame and avoid responsibility, deepening the public's distrust and raising serious questions about who is truly accountable for the tragic stampede.

Netizens and opposition leaders have seized on these inconsistencies to accuse the government of covering up administrative lapses. The viral letter, perceived as an attempt to absolve the government, has only deepened public distrust as questions mount about accountability for the tragic stampede.