"Heartbroken To Hear About...": Smriti Mandhana Issues Strong Statement On Bengaluru Stampede

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) women's team captain Smriti Mandhana has broken her silence on the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during the victory celebration.

RCB men's team beat Punjab Kings on June 3 to claim their maiden IPL title. Soon after the historic win, the franchise announced a victory parade in Bengaluru, but the local police did not give the green light. However, the franchise later announced that the victory parade would indeed take place from 5 PM IST.

The victory celebrations eventually turned into a nightmare as the police failed to control the huge crowd outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. While the RCB team was busy celebrating inside the stadium, a stampede broke out outside. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 11 people and left more than 30 seriously injured.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Smriti Mandhana on Bengaluru stampede:

In the wake of the tragic stampede, Smriti Mandhana took to social media to express her sorrow. The Indian star shared her message on Instagram story, writing that she was 'heartbroken' over the tragic incident. Smriti Mandhana also extended her heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the incident.

"Heartbroken to hear about the lives lost in Bengaluru. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones. Please stay safe everyone," wrote Smriti Mandhana.

Instagram story of RCB Women's Captain about the Benguluru incident 🙏 pic.twitter.com/M4f2BBhbwT

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 5, 2025

Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli also reacted to the incident, saying that he was 'at a loss for words' and 'absolutely gutted'. The former RCB captain shared the official statement released by the franchise on the incident and added a heartfelt message from his side, too.

"We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon," RCB shared in their statement.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced INR 10 lakh compensation for each victim's family and free treatment for the injured. He also revealed that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered over the incident.

"A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," the CM said.

"I don't want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days' time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd," he added.

Also Read: Phil Salt, Shubman Gill Kicked Aside As Aakash Chopra Names His Best XI Of IPL 2025