Bengaluru Stampede: Report Flags Stadium 'Unsafe for Major Events'

July 26, 2025 - The Karnataka government-appointed Justice John Michael D'Cunha Commission has said that Chinnaswamy Stadium is "unfit and unsafe" for public gatherings. This has raised doubts about major matches, including the Women's World Cup games scheduled later this year.

The Karnataka government set up a one-member commission after 11 fans died and many were injured in a stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium. The crowd had gathered to celebrate RCB’s first IPL title win.

The Commission comprising of John Michael Cunha, a retired judge of the High Court of Karnataka, said the design and structure of the stadium are not suitable for big crowds. The report advised that events expecting large numbers of people should be moved to safer places.

The opening and final matches of the ICC Women’s World Cup are planned at this stadium later this year. But now, doubts have been raised about whether it is safe to hold those matches there. The Commission has also suggested legal action.

In the meanwhile, DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd., an event management company, has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court against the report.