NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of the deadly stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where 11 people lost their lives and 75 were injured during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations, stories of profound personal loss are emerging.
One video, in particular, has captured the raw anguish — a father sobbing at his son's grave, clinging to the soil where his dreams were buried.
BT Lakshman, father of 21-year-old Bhumik Lakshman is seen lying face down on his son's grave in Hassan district.
Overcome with grief, he weeps inconsolably, refusing to leave. “What happened to my son should not happen to anyone else,” he cries out. “This land was meant for his future. Now, it holds his memory.”
When two men approach to lift him, Lakshman says he no longer wants to live anywhere else. “No father should have to bear this,” he says, broken by the loss.
Bhumik, a college student, had gone to the stadium with a group of friends to watch RCB players take a victory lap.
In the chaos, he got separated — and never made it back. His death is one among many that have devastated families across Karnataka.
Stampede turns celebration into sorrow: Full list of victims Manoj Kumar, 18, a second-year BBM student from Presidency College, was another victim. His father, Devaraj NT, a pani puri vendor, is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
“He loved cricket so much. His eyes used to sparkle when he talked about the game,” Devaraj said. “Now they’re shut forever, and so is my world.”
Devaraj described his son as a young man full of hope and ambition. “He wanted to lift us out of poverty. He saw how hard I worked and promised to change our lives.”
Shravan, 20, a second-year BDS student at Ambedkar Medical and Dental College, had travelled from Chintamani to be part of the celebrations. His future, too, was abruptly cut short.
Shivalinga, a Class 10 graduate from Honigere village in Yadgir, had just collected his school leaving certificate when he decided to drop by the stadium. The teenager, whose parents work as daily wage labourers, had ambitions beyond what his humble background could offer. Now, those dreams lie shattered.
Prajwal, 22, had just appeared for a job interview and joined the crowd at Chinnaswamy on a whim. His family thought he was heading home.
Kamatchi Devi, 29, worked at Amazon and was a devoted Virat Kohli fan. For her, the day was supposed to be a joyful celebration. “She couldn’t wait to be there,” her colleague recalled. But instead of joy, the day ended in tragedy.
Divyanshi, just 14, was coaxed into skipping school by her mother Ashwini so they could see their favourite team in person. “Maybe you’ll see Virat Kohli,” her mother had said. The teenager’s excitement turned fatal.
Sahana, 25, a Bosch employee and the main breadwinner for her family, had gone to the stadium with friends. While they escaped with injuries, she did not survive. “She was going to be married next year,” her uncle said. “What can ever make up for this?”
Other victims included
Chinmayi Shetty,
Akshata Pai, and
Poornachandra, whose families are now mourning the loss of loved ones who simply went to share in the joy of a team’s victory.