Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium may be barred from hosting large-scale events as the government has decided to act on the findings of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission report, which suggested that the design and structure of the stadium was unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings.
The commission was set up to investigate the tragic stampede that took place outside the stadium on June 4, in which 11 people died. The incident took place on the road surrounding the venue during the victory parade ceremony held after Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory in the Indian Premier League 2025.
The panel has pointed out several shortcomings in the report
The report highlights several serious deficiencies, including queues separated from public roads and a smaller number of gates than needed for mass entry and exit, inadequate integration with public transport and tourist centers, and lack of emergency evacuation plans in line with international safety standards. Adequate parking and drop-off infrastructure to handle large numbers of people.
“Any future venue must adhere to international standards,” the commission was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.
“Unless such infrastructure changes are made, continuing to hold high-attendance events at the current location poses unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility and emergency preparedness. The existing structure hinders pedestrian and vehicular movement during crowded events,” the committee said in its report.
The panel has recommended action against KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, former secretary A. Shanlar, former treasurer E. S. Jayaram, RCB vice-president Rajesh Menon, DNA Entertainment Networks MD T. Venkat Vardhan and vice-president Sunil Mathur, police officer B. Dayanand, Vikas Kumar Vikas, Shekhar H. Tekkannavar, C. Balakrishna and A. K. Girish. The government is likely to take a decision on these recommendations in the next cabinet meeting.
FAQ
What happened at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium recently?
A stampede-like situation occurred during a recent event at the stadium, raising serious safety concerns and leading authorities to review the venue’s readiness for hosting matches.
Why was the stadium declared unsafe?
Following the incident, a safety inspection revealed inadequate crowd control measures, emergency exits, and poor event management, prompting the decision to declare it temporarily unsafe.
How does this affect RCB and their fans?
The decision could prevent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from playing their home matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium in the upcoming season, disappointing fans.
Is the stadium permanently closed?
No, the closure is likely temporary. Authorities have suggested that with proper upgrades and safety measures, the stadium could reopen for future matches.
