'My first instinct when I was told that people are losing lives...': Dinesh Karthik on stampede in Bengaluru after IPL win

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first-ever Indian Premier League victory celebration turned tragic when 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede during the team's victory parade on June 4. In response, the franchise has announced compensation of Rs 25 lakhs each to the families of the deceased through their initiative RCB Cares, while team batting coach Dinesh Karthik shared his emotional account of the devastating incident.

The tragic incident occurred during what was meant to be a celebratory moment for the franchise, which had maintained one of cricket's most loyal fan bases even before securing their maiden IPL title earlier that year.


Batting coach Dinesh Karthik recalled the team's initial confusion when the incident occurred: "We were in Bangalore. You have got to understand that we were told to go to an event and when we got there we were sent back. I don't even understand what had happened. It was beyond us," he told India Today.

Karthik expressed the team's difficulty in processing the tragic events: "We are just sportsmen who are playing this sport. When something like this happens, you just don't know how to react."

"My first instinct when I was told that people are losing lives… Could it change? I really wish it could," Karthik reflected on his immediate reaction to the news.

The incident profoundly affected the team's celebration plans, as Karthik explained: "The aftertaste that it left sent us players into radio silence. You know, RCB is such a well-supported franchise. It completely finished whatever our celebrations could have been. It is one of the saddest things that I have seen. I cannot even start to empathise what those parents and families must have gone through. I just hope that in some way we can repay them."


RCB emphasised their ongoing commitment to the affected families: "Not just as financial aid, but as a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care. This is also the beginning of a long-term commitment for meaningful action that begins by honouring their memory. Every step forward will reflect what the fans feel, expect, and deserve."

"Our hearts broke on June 4, 2025. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us. No amount of support can ever fill the space they've left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended ₹25 lakh each to their families," stated the franchise.

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