(Video) RCB Team Head Runs Away from Media Following Hearing of Chinnaswamy Stampede Case

RCB team head Rajesh Menon quickly left Bengaluru court, evading media, after a hearing for the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede that killed 11.

(Video) RCB Team Head Runs Away from Media Following Hearing of Chinnaswamy Stampede Case

RCB team head Rajesh Menon was seen evading the media, following a Chinnaswamy stampede hearing. (via X)

RCB Vice-President Rajesh Menon was recently seen quickly leaving the Bengaluru District Magistrate Court to evade the media, after a hearing regarding the tragic stampede that occurred on June 4. The stampede, which took place outside the Chinnaswamy stadium, resulted in 11 fatalities.

June 4 turned out to be an unfateful day for RCB fans, despite the team winning its maiden IPL title this season. The team, following its IPL final victory on June 3, announced that it would hold a celebratory event in Bengaluru the very next day, which included a victory celebration at their home ground, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, and an open-bus parade featuring the players, and the IPL trophy.

However, the event turned chaotic, as thousands of RCB fans gathered outside the stadium to take part in the celebrations and catch a glimpse of their favorite cricketing stars. As they tried to force their way in, it triggered a stampede, which claimed the lives of 11 people. The BCCI and the fans blamed the franchise, DNA Entertainment, the firm behind the organization of the event, KSCA, and the state authorities for their failure to prevent the tragic occurrence. 

The Karnataka State Government, in turn, held RCB, the BCCI and the Karnataka State Cricket Association responsible for the stampede. At a hearing at the Karnataka High Court, which took suo moto cognizance of the case, the state government noted that it had not been informed about such a celebratory event, and that the franchise management invited way more people, than the stadium could hold. 

Upon the High Court’s insistence, which also shed light on an FIR which was filed by an activist against the franchise and others involved in the event’s organisation, the case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The police, on the CM’s instructions, arrested several accused in connection with the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Cubbon Park Police, which registered the case, also raided the residence of RCB vice-president and head Rajesh Menon, who was initially absconding. He later arrived at the District Magistrate Court to appear for a hearing, in relation to his role in the tragic incident.

The RCB vice-president was seen rushing out of the court after the hearing, seemingly trying to evade the press. Once the cameras focused on Menon, he and his associates ran towards their car, before speeding away in it. 

It remains to be seen what lies ahead of the franchise and its officials, with the court set to announce its decision in the coming days. The high court did provide relief to several RCB officials including social media head Nikhil Sosale, ordering him immediate release without delay.

BCCI Forms Committee to Prevent Future Bengaluru-Like Stampedes 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has appointed a new committee to create new guidelines for celebratory events and victory parades, following trophy wins. The BCCI has taken the initiative in light of the tragic stampede that occurred outside the Chinnaswamy stadium, during RCB’s celebration. 

BCCI committee on stampede
The BCCI set up a special committee to formulate rule for future celebrations, in order to avoid a Bengaluru-like stampede. (via Times of India)

The committee, comprising secretary Devajit Saikia, vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, will establish new guidelines and protocols for future celebrations. The BCCI announced its decision to form the committee during the recent Apex Council meeting. The panel is also set to discuss public safety norms during these celebrations, while considering opinions of other stakeholders as well. 

In terms of the board’s response to the deadly Bengaluru stampede, it distanced itself from the celebrations, while noting that the BCCI did not have any prior information about it. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal even slammed the franchise for continuing with the celebrations, despite the tragedy.