Bengaluru Stampede Case: CM Ordered Arrest, Says Lawyer for RCB Official in High Court

The fallout from the recent stampede at Bengaluru’s RCB victory celebration continues to unfold, now reaching the Karnataka High Court. In a surprising turn, the lawyer representing an arrested RCB official claimed that the Chief Minister himself had directed the police to take action. The allegation has added a political layer to what was initially seen as a tragic mishap during a public event.

Background on the Incident
The stampede occurred during a celebration event organized for Royal Challengers Bengaluru after their IPL campaign. A massive crowd had gathered at the venue, leading to chaotic scenes and injuries. In the aftermath, police booked event organizers, including members of the RCB franchise team.

One of the officials, reportedly involved in managing the event, was arrested shortly after. The move drew criticism from certain quarters who argued that responsibility should be shared between multiple agencies, including local authorities.

Allegation in Court
During a hearing on the matter, the lawyer representing the RCB official told the Karnataka High Court that the arrest was politically driven. According to the legal counsel, the Chief Minister directly ordered the official’s arrest following the stampede, possibly to quell public outrage and manage the political narrative.

The court has now sought a formal response from the state government, demanding clarity on whether such a directive was issued and on what grounds.

Reactions and Political Underpinning
The claim has sparked debate in Karnataka’s political landscape. Opposition leaders have demanded transparency, while government officials have so far chosen not to comment publicly. In Tier 2 cities like Hubli, Mysuru, and Mangaluru, the issue is being followed closely, as it reflects concerns about public safety, crowd control, and administrative accountability.

Some civic groups have pointed out that political intervention in police work could erode public trust, especially when investigations are underway.

Public Sentiment and Responsibility
While the focus initially was on ensuring justice for those injured, the conversation has now widened to include political accountability and event management standards. Many citizens believe such public gatherings need better coordination among police, organizers, and the municipal authorities.

Families affected by the stampede are still waiting for clear answers, and for many, the legal drama only adds confusion to an already distressing situation.

Conclusion
The Bengaluru stampede case has taken a complex turn with serious claims made in court about political interference. As the High Court reviews these allegations, citizens across Karnataka—especially in smaller cities where law enforcement challenges are often more visible—are watching to see whether justice will be served fairly and without bias. The outcome may influence how public events are managed and how leaders are held accountable in future crises.