Celebrate indoors: Bengaluru cops say no to street revelry after RCB's IPL win

Bengaluru police have prohibited public celebrations on city streets following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory in the 2026 Indian Premier League final, citing safety concerns and lessons from last year's deadly stampede.

RCB clinched their second consecutive IPL title after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

Speaking on the celebrations, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the police had issued an advisory urging fans not to gather on roads or public places.

"Bangalore City Police has issued an advisory asking spectators and fans not to celebrate publicly on the streets and especially not to disturb peace and security. We are checking vehicles. And we will not allow any public celebrations. If anyone wants to celebrate, they can do so indoors," Singh said.

DCP (Central Division) Akshay M Hakay said police had made adequate security arrangements at all key locations to ensure public safety and prevent any inconvenience. He said vehicle checking and heavy police deployment were in place to maintain law and order, while urging fans to celebrate responsibly in a manner that keeps everyone safe, spreads happiness, and makes the city proud.

The restrictions come nearly a year after a stampede during RCB's IPL victory celebrations claimed 11 lives and left several others injured.

The tragedy unfolded on June 4, 2025, when thousands of supporters converged near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate the franchise's maiden IPL title. The overwhelming crowd led to a deadly crush, triggering widespread outrage and prompting intervention by the Karnataka government and the High Court.

With memories of the incident still fresh, authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards large public gatherings, focusing on crowd control and public safety as fans celebrate RCB's latest championship success.