Bengaluru RCB stampede: Karnataka govt brings in new crowd control bill

The Karnataka government is introducing a new crowd control law following a deadly stampede in Bengaluru. Violations could result in up to three years imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000. Religious events are exempt from the bill.

Bengaluru: Following the stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory celebrations, the Karnataka government has decided to introduce a new law for crowd control. The stampede at Chinnaswamy stadium resulted in 11 deaths and over 60 injuries. The Karnataka cabinet has discussed the draft bill, which proposes up to three years imprisonment and a ₹5,000 fine for violations.

The law will apply to political rallies and other events. However, religious celebrations and gatherings such as Rathotsavas, Pallaki processions, and Urs are exempt from the bill. Under the Karnataka Crowd Control Bill, anyone disobeying police orders or violating the law will face imprisonment, a fine, or both. Strict penalties will be imposed for organizing events without police permission or failing to manage crowds effectively.

Offenses under this law will be non-bailable. A First Class Magistrate will handle such cases. The bill is likely to be approved in the next cabinet meeting.

Karnataka govt blamed for stampede

The Karnataka High Court had pulled up the Congress government over the tragic stampede during RCB's celebration at Chinnaswamy stadium on June 4. Following the incident, the court took suo moto cognizance and heard the case. A division bench headed by acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice CM Joshi posed nine key questions to the state government

Top police officials at the Cubbon Park Police Station were suspended and a one-man commission under a retired High Court Judge was formed to probe the incident.