Tragedy at Chinnaswamy Stadium: A Family’s Agonizing Wait for Justice

The devastating news of the stampede outside Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru has left the nation in shock. Among the victims was 15-year-old Divyanshi, whose family is still trying to come to terms with the loss. The grieving family has spoken out about the agonizing wait they endured before an FIR could be filed, highlighting the inadequacies of the system.

A Father’s Heartbreaking Account

Divyanshi’s father, Shivakumar, recounted the horrifying events that led to his daughter’s tragic death. "My daughter fell after being pushed at Gate Number 15. My wife and sister-in-law were also present then," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. The family’s ordeal didn’t end there; they had to wait nearly four hours before an FIR could be filed. "They (officials) came and visited (afterwards), but no proper support was provided. They didn’t even give proper first aid. My wife said she was begging for some support. Finally, my daughter was taken in an auto, with no support from the police," Shivakumar added.

A Lack of Support and Accountability

The family’s experience raises serious questions about the preparedness and response of the authorities. Shivakumar emphasized the need for accountability, saying, "Why didn’t they make proper arrangements? Go and see Mysore Palace Road — for political events, they arrange everything. For this celebration, they should have had proper planning. Intelligence should have been there." The government’s response to the tragedy has been criticized, with many demanding answers about the lapses in security and crowd management.

Another Life Lost: Kamatchi Devi’s Story

Another victim of the stampede was 28-year-old software engineer Kamatchi Devi, who had gone to celebrate Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL victory at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Her mortal remains were taken to her hometown Mayiladumparai in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu for the last rites on Thursday. Devi’s family and friends gathered to pay their last respects, mourning the loss of a young life cut short in its prime.

Government’s Response: Too Little, Too Late?

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the hospitals where the injured were admitted, acknowledging that the "unexpected tragedy" shouldn’t have happened. The government has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to the kin of each deceased and free treatment for the injured. While these measures are a step in the right direction, many are questioning whether they are sufficient to address the scale of the tragedy.

A Call for Action and Accountability

As the families of the victims struggle to come to terms with their loss, there is a growing demand for action and accountability. The government must take responsibility for the lapses in security and crowd management that led to the tragedy. The people of Bengaluru and the nation at large are waiting for answers, and it is imperative that the authorities take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Conclusion

The stampede at Chinnaswamy stadium is a stark reminder of the need for better planning, coordination, and accountability. As we mourn the loss of young lives, we must also demand action from those in power. The families of Divyanshi and Kamatchi Devi, and all the other victims, deserve justice and closure. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their deaths are not in vain and that we learn from this tragedy to create a safer, more compassionate society.

Published By: Anupriya Thakur
Published On: Jun 5, 2025

Content originally published by www.indiatoday.in