July 29, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

Saudi Arabia Suspends Block Work Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj 2025, Citing Security and Administrative Concerns

In a significant policy shift ahead of the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of block work visas for citizens from 14 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, and Turkey. The decision, effective from May 2025, is reportedly driven by security and administrative concerns, particularly regarding the misuse of visas for unauthorized Hajj participation. Affected Countries: What Are Block Work Visas? Block work visas are typically bulk pre-approved visas issued by Saudi authorities to Gulf-based companies, allowing them to hire foreign workers—commonly for domestic work, hospitality, and construction sectors. These visas form the backbone of workforce planning for many companies, especially during seasonal spikes in labour demand. The suspension has alarmed employers who rely on this hiring model, particularly those engaged in preparation for the high-demand Hajj season. Industries that depend on short-term labour influxes may now face significant disruptions. Unauthorised Hajj Entry: A Core Issue The main concern, according to sources, is the rising trend of individuals entering the Kingdom on work, visit, or Umrah visas and then participating in the Hajj without the required Hajj permit. This practice created serious crowding and overwhelmed health and safety infrastructure during the 2024 pilgrimage. To prevent similar challenges this year, Saudi authorities have opted to enforce stricter visa and entry controls, aiming to ensure that only those with valid, official Hajj visas are allowed to undertake the pilgrimage. Although no formal statement has been released by Saudi officials, the suspension aligns with the Kingdom’s broader objective of maintaining order, safety, and proper logistical management during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. Labour Market Implications The temporary ban has no defined timeline for resumption, creating uncertainty for companies that rely on semi-skilled and seasonal workers from the affected countries. Employers may now be compelled to: The move could also impact remittance flows and migrant workers’ job prospects in affected countries, especially during the peak Hajj and summer employment season. Looking Ahead While the policy aims to tighten control over pilgrimage management, it has sparked concerns over transparency and timing, especially in labour-supplying nations. It remains to be seen whether the Kingdom will provide further clarity or introduce alternative pathways for worker mobility in the coming months. As the Hajj approaches, this decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring a safe and streamlined pilgrimage, even if it comes at a temporary cost to labour market flexibility.

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Editor04 mins

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly reiterated New Delhi’s stance on terrorism during talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly reiterated New Delhi’s stance on terrorism during talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, stating that India will not tolerate any equivalence between perpetrators of terrorism and their victims. His remarks come amid apparent frustration in New Delhi over international attempts to “hyphenate” India and Pakistan, particularly following last month’s military clashes between the two countries. Key Highlights from Jaishankar-Lammy Meeting: Strategic Outlook: The tone of the Jaishankar-Lammy talks highlights India’s growing assertiveness on the international stage, especially when it comes to terrorism emanating from across its western border. While economic cooperation between India and the UK is deepening, diplomatic sensitivities around security and counter-terrorism remain a flashpoint, particularly when Western powers appear to equate India’s sovereign defensive actions with Pakistan’s support for non-state actors. Lammy’s visit also signals the UK’s post-Brexit strategy to strengthen bilateral ties with major Indo-Pacific players like India, even as it navigates complex geopolitical sensitivities in South Asia.

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Editor04 mins

Canadian PM Mark Carney Defends Modi’s G7 Invite Amid Ongoing Murder Probe, Sparks Backlash from Sikh Community

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended his controversial decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, despite ongoing investigations linking the Indian government to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Carney, speaking to reporters on Friday, avoided directly addressing questions about whether he believed Modi had any involvement in Nijjar’s killing. “There is a legal process that is literally under way and quite advanced in Canada, and it’s never appropriate to make comments with respect to those legal processes,” he said. The murder of Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist leader, in Surrey, British Columbia, sent shockwaves through the Indo-Canadian community and strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. Four Indian nationals living in Canada have been charged in connection with the June 2023 killing, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have concluded that the operation was directed by “the highest levels” of the Indian government. Despite these developments, Carney emphasized India’s global significance as a rationale for the invitation. “India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, the most populous country, and central to supply chains. It is essential to engage with its leadership on critical issues such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals,” he explained. He confirmed that Modi had accepted the invitation and would attend the G7 summit, scheduled for June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. In response, Prime Minister Modi issued a diplomatic statement, expressing optimism about future ties. “As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the summit,” he said. However, Carney’s move has triggered intense backlash from the World Sikh Organization (WSO) and other advocacy groups. WSO President Danish Singh called the invitation “a betrayal of core Canadian values.” He criticized the government for offering Modi a red-carpet welcome while India continues to deny involvement in Nijjar’s murder and refuses to fully cooperate with Canadian investigators. “For Sikhs in Canada, this is a betrayal, not just of our community, but of Canadian justice. We would never extend such hospitality to leaders from Russia, China, or Iran under similar allegations,” Singh said. Last year, both countries expelled senior diplomats over the murder case, with Canadian law enforcement also linking India to gang violence and foreign interference activities within Canada. Carney’s invitation to Modi comes as his newly elected government seeks to repair strained relations with other international partners. On Thursday, he held a call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both sides agreed to “regularize channels of communication” after ongoing trade disputes caused significant losses, particularly in seafood, EVs, and agricultural goods. Carney is also working to mend ties with the United States. Ongoing negotiations with President Donald Trump’s administration aim to end a trade war that has seen steep tariffs imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum. Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed that Carney is in “deep, deep discussions” with Trump’s team — a development echoed by Canada’s industry minister. While the government continues to prioritize diplomacy and economic cooperation, critics argue that principles of justice and sovereignty are being compromised. As the G7 summit approaches, pressure is mounting on Carney to clarify Canada’s position on human rights and foreign interference — and whether such considerations truly guide its foreign policy decisions.

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Editor06 mins

Manipur Suspends Internet Services in Five Districts Amid Fresh Unrest Over Arambai Tenggol Arrests

Amid renewed unrest in Manipur over the reported arrest of leaders from the Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol, the state government has suspended internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, in five districts for five days starting today. The affected districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. Tensions escalated late Saturday as protesters took to the streets in areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok in Imphal, demanding the release of the detained individuals. Demonstrators set fire to tyres and discarded furniture, leading to clashes with security forces. Security personnel were deployed in large numbers, and several rounds of warning gunfire were reportedly fired to disperse the crowds. The violence resulted in injuries to at least two journalists and one civilian during an attack on the Kwakeithel police outpost. In an official order, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar stated that the suspension of internet services was necessary in light of the prevailing law and order situation. He expressed concern that anti-social elements might exploit social media platforms to spread inflammatory content, including hate speech and disturbing videos, which could incite public unrest. “There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public and private property, along with widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of false rumours and provocative content circulated via social media, SMS, and other digital platforms,” the order further stated. The government’s decision aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain peace in the region as tensions continue to simmer.

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Editor03 mins

2012 Coal Scam: Former Top Bureaucrats Acquitted, Private Firm Convicted

In a significant development in the long-running 2012 coal allocation scam, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Friday acquitted former coal secretary H.C. Gupta, former joint secretary (coal) K.S. Kropha, and former director (coal allocations) K.C. Samaria. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the allocation of the Mahugarhi coal block in Jharkhand. However, JAS Infrastructure Capital Ltd and its then director Manoj Kumar Jayaswal were convicted for cheating and criminal conspiracy. Special Judge Sanjay Bansal ruled that the company submitted false and misleading claims about its financial net worth, which led to the improper allocation of the coal block. Arguments for sentencing are scheduled for 8 July 2025. CBI’s Ongoing Investigation According to a CBI spokesperson, this case marks the 19th conviction out of 54 coal block allocation cases investigated by the agency. The CBI had initially filed a closure report in this matter in November 2014, but the court rejected it and ordered further investigation. During the trial, 18 prosecution witnesses were examined to establish the fraudulent nature of the company’s claims. Previous Cases Involving the Acquitted Officials This is not the first coal allocation case involving Gupta, Kropha, and Samaria. In 2017, the trio was convicted in a separate case involving irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks in Madhya Pradesh to Kamal Sponge Steel & Power Ltd (KSSPL). They were granted bail the same day. Earlier this year, in April 2025, the same judge discharged Gupta and Kropha in another Jharkhand coal block case related to Mednirai, citing insufficient evidence. Background: The 2012 Coalgate Scandal The coal scam—popularly known as Coalgate—erupted in 2012 when the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) alleged that coal blocks had been allocated to private companies without transparent bidding processes. The CAG estimated a notional loss of ₹1.86 lakh crore to the exchequer, sparking public outrage and political turmoil. The revelations significantly dented the credibility of the Congress-led UPA government, and the scandal played a key role in the party’s defeat in the 2014 general elections, paving the way for the BJP-led NDA to come to power. With nearly half of the 54 cases still pending, the acquittals and convictions continue to shape the legacy of one of India’s largest corruption scandals, while questions linger about corporate accountability and institutional oversight in the allocation of natural resources.

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Editor04 mins

Preity Zinta Applauds Punjab Kings’ Spirit After Narrow IPL 2025 Final Loss

Preity Zinta, co-owner of the Punjab Kings franchise, has penned a heartfelt note for fans and players following the team’s valiant performance in IPL 2025. Despite a narrow 6-run defeat in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Zinta praised the team’s resilience, spirit, and the emotional journey they undertook throughout the season. In an Instagram post that quickly gained traction, the actress wrote, “It didn’t end the way we wanted it to but… the journey was spectacular! It was exciting, entertaining & it was inspiring. I loved the fight & the grit our young team, our shers showed throughout the tournament.” Punjab Kings, led by captain Shreyas Iyer, topped the points table for the first time in over a decade, overcoming injuries, scheduling disruptions, and even the relocation of home games due to unforeseen circumstances. Zinta also highlighted the standout performances by uncapped Indian players and the leadership of Iyer, calling him “our Sarpanch” for leading from the front. “This year was unique. We smashed records even though we lost key players to injury & national duty, witnessed a pause in the tournament, transferred home games to other states & evacuated a stadium! We adapted & topped the points table after a decade & fought till the end in an exciting final,” she wrote. Though the team fell just short of lifting their maiden IPL trophy, Zinta emphasized that the players had already won hearts. “I am so proud of each and every player of Punjab Kings for showing so much character throughout the tournament,” she added, also thanking the support staff and management. Most significantly, Preity expressed her gratitude to the loyal fans—whom she affectionately called the “Sher Squad.” “Most of all a HEARTFELT THANK YOU to our – SHER SQUAD – our FANS that stood with us through thick and thin. Whatever we are & how far we have reached is all because of you,” she said, promising a strong comeback in the next season. “The job is still half done,” she concluded. Her post quickly flooded with emotional responses from fans, many of whom celebrated the team’s journey and praised Zinta for her unwavering support. “PBKS gave it their all. We’re with you till the end!” wrote one fan, while another commented, “You’re the heart of this team, Preity. The boys fought like lions.” The IPL 2025 season officially concluded on June 3, capping off a dramatic and record-breaking tournament for the Punjab Kings.

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Editor04 mins

Indian Navy to Commission First Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ‘Arnala’ on 18 June 2025

The Indian Navy is poised to mark a significant milestone in its maritime defence capabilities with the commissioning of its first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), Arnala, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on 18 June 2025. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. The event will witness the presence of senior naval officers, dignitaries, shipbuilders, and other stakeholders who have contributed to the ship’s development. Arnala is the first of sixteen ASW-SWC class ships being inducted into the Indian Navy, designed and built under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Delivered to the Navy on 8 May 2025, the ship’s construction was meticulously supervised by the Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Overseeing Teams based in Kolkata and Kattupalli. Named after the historic Arnala Fort located off Vasai, Maharashtra, the warship is a modern embodiment of India’s rich maritime legacy. Just like the fort, which stood as a stronghold against invasions, Arnala has been built to operate with resilience and strength in the face of maritime threats. Its advanced features ensure operational readiness for a range of coastal and subsurface missions. The vessel features more than 80% indigenous components, integrating cutting-edge technologies and systems developed by Indian defence firms such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL. Notably, the project has involved over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), stimulating domestic industry growth and generating considerable economic activity. With a length of 77.6 metres and a gross tonnage exceeding 1490 tonnes, Arnala is the largest Indian Naval warship to be powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system. It is equipped for Subsurface Surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), making it a versatile platform in the Indian Navy’s coastal defence arsenal. The commissioning of Arnala represents a transformative leap in India’s maritime defence, reinforcing coastal security and underlining the country’s emergence as a self-reliant naval power in the strategically significant Indian Ocean Region.

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Editor04 mins

राहुल गांधी का आरोप: “महाराष्ट्र चुनाव 2024 में बीजेपी ने लोकतंत्र को हाइजैक किया”

कांग्रेस नेता राहुल गांधी ने 2024 के नवंबर में हुए महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा चुनावों को लेकर भारतीय जनता पार्टी (BJP) पर गंभीर आरोप लगाए हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि इन चुनावों में बीजेपी ने “मैच फिक्सिंग” करके लोकतांत्रिक प्रक्रिया को कमजोर किया और सत्ता हासिल की। बीजेपी, एकनाथ शिंदे की शिवसेना और अजीत पवार की एनसीपी वाली ‘महायुति’ गठबंधन ने कुल 288 में से 235 सीटें जीतकर राज्य के इतिहास की सबसे बड़ी जीत दर्ज की। बीजेपी अकेले 132 सीटों के साथ सबसे बड़ी पार्टी बनकर उभरी। राहुल गांधी ने एक लेख और सोशल मीडिया पोस्ट के ज़रिए बीजेपी पर “चुनाव चुराने” का आरोप लगाते हुए पांच-चरणीय साजिश का ज़िक्र किया। उन्होंने इसे “चुनाव में धांधली का ब्लूप्रिंट” बताया। राहुल गांधी द्वारा बताए गए पांच कदम: राहुल गांधी ने अपने लेख में लिखा, “यह मामूली स्तर की धोखाधड़ी नहीं, बल्कि एक औद्योगिक पैमाने पर की गई साजिश है जिसमें हमारे राष्ट्रीय संस्थानों को कब्ज़े में लिया गया है।” चुनाव आयोग की नियुक्ति पर विवादगांधी ने 2023 में केंद्र द्वारा पारित Election Commissioners Appointment Act पर सवाल उठाया, जिसमें चयन समिति से भारत के मुख्य न्यायाधीश को हटाकर एक केंद्रीय मंत्री को शामिल किया गया। उन्होंने कहा कि इससे निष्पक्षता खत्म हो गई और कार्यपालिका को अनुचित लाभ मिला। वोटर लिस्ट में अचानक वृद्धि पर सवालराहुल गांधी ने दावा किया कि 2019 के महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा चुनावों में मतदाता संख्या 8.98 करोड़ थी, जो 2024 लोकसभा चुनावों में बढ़कर 9.29 करोड़ हुई। लेकिन केवल पांच महीनों में यह आंकड़ा बढ़कर 9.70 करोड़ पहुंच गया। उन्होंने इस वृद्धि को ‘संदिग्ध’ बताया और कहा कि इससे फर्जीवाड़े का अंदेशा होता है। बीजेपी प्रवक्ता तुहिन सिन्हा ने राहुल गांधी के आरोपों को “शर्मनाक और निराधार” बताया। उन्होंने कहा, “राहुल गांधी बार-बार हमारे संवैधानिक संस्थानों को बदनाम करने की कोशिश करते हैं। चुनाव आयोग ने हर बार इन विषयों पर विस्तार से सफाई दी है।” चुनाव आयोग की सफाईचुनाव आयोग ने कहा कि वोटर लिस्ट में वृद्धि युवाओं की बढ़ती भागीदारी और मतदाता जागरूकता अभियान का परिणाम है। लेकिन राहुल गांधी ने इसे भी ‘बयानबाज़ी’ करार दिया और कहा कि इसमें कोई पारदर्शिता नहीं है। विपक्ष की स्थितिविपक्षी महा विकास अघाड़ी (MVA)—जिसमें कांग्रेस, उद्धव ठाकरे की शिवसेना (UBT) और शरद पवार की एनसीपी (SP) शामिल थीं—सिर्फ 50 सीटें ही जीत पाईं। यह उन नेताओं के लिए एक बड़ा झटका रहा, जिन्होंने हाल ही में अपने-अपने दल और चुनाव चिह्न गंवाए थे। निष्कर्ष:राहुल गांधी के आरोप महाराष्ट्र चुनाव परिणामों को लेकर नई बहस छेड़ते हैं। उन्होंने चुनावी संस्थाओं की निष्पक्षता पर सवाल उठाए हैं, वहीं बीजेपी और चुनाव आयोग ने इन आरोपों को खारिज किया है। आगामी समय में यह मुद्दा संसद से लेकर अदालत तक गूंज सकता है।

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Editor01 mins

कश्मीर को देश से जोड़ेगी रेल: पीएम मोदी आज कटरा से करेंगे श्रीनगर-दिल्ली वंदे भारत एक्सप्रेस का उद्घाटन

जम्मू-कश्मीर को देश के बाकी हिस्सों से जोड़ने वाला ऐतिहासिक रेल संपर्क आज साकार हो रहा है। प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी शुक्रवार को जम्मू के उधमपुर जिले के कटरा से उधमपुर–श्रीनगर–बारामुला रेलवे लिंक (USBRL) का उद्घाटन करेंगे। साथ ही, श्री माता वैष्णो देवी कटरा से श्रीनगर तक वंदे भारत एक्सप्रेस का भी शुभारंभ होगा, जो 7 जून से नियमित रूप से चलेगी। सुरक्षा के पुख्ता इंतजाम, ऑपरेशन सिंदूर के बाद पहली यात्रा पीएम मोदी की यात्रा को लेकर रामबन और उधमपुर क्षेत्रों में सुरक्षा के व्यापक इंतजाम किए गए हैं। डॉग स्क्वॉड, वाहन जांच और कई स्तरीय सुरक्षा घेराबंदी की गई है। यह प्रधानमंत्री की ऑपरेशन सिंदूर के बाद पहली कश्मीर यात्रा है — वह सैन्य कार्रवाई जिसमें पहलगाम आतंकी हमले (22 अप्रैल) के बाद जवाबी कार्रवाई की गई थी, जिसमें 26 लोगों की जान गई थी। राज्यपाल ने किया निरीक्षण, ₹46,000 करोड़ की परियोजनाओं का भी होगा उद्घाटन जम्मू-कश्मीर के उपराज्यपाल मनोज सिन्हा ने गुरुवार को पीएम की रैली की तैयारियों की समीक्षा की और सभी विभागों को समन्वय बनाए रखने तथा सुरक्षा के कड़े उपाय सुनिश्चित करने के निर्देश दिए। प्रधानमंत्री आज कटरा में रेल परियोजना के साथ-साथ ₹46,000 करोड़ से अधिक की विकास परियोजनाओं का उद्घाटन करेंगे। भाजपा ने बताया ‘ऐतिहासिक क्षण’ और ‘ईद का तोहफा’ भाजपा की जम्मू-कश्मीर इकाई ने इस रेल संपर्क को एक “ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि” बताते हुए इसे प्रदेशवासियों के लिए “कीमती ईद का तोहफा” करार दिया। प्रवक्ता अल्ताफ ठाकुर ने कहा कि यह सिर्फ इंजीनियरिंग की नहीं, बल्कि आशा, विकास और राष्ट्रीय एकता की भी मिसाल है। इस रेल संपर्क से दूरदराज के क्षेत्रों में पर्यटन, कारोबार और अवसरों का नया द्वार खुलेगा। कांग्रेस का कटाक्ष: ‘निरंतरता का महत्व कभी नहीं मानते पीएम’ कांग्रेस ने इस उपलब्धि को शासन में निरंतरता का उदाहरण बताते हुए प्रधानमंत्री मोदी पर निशाना साधा। पार्टी के वरिष्ठ नेता जयराम रमेश ने कहा कि “पीएम हमेशा आत्म-प्रशंसा की लालसा में पिछली सरकारों की भूमिका को नकारते हैं।” उन्होंने कहा कि इतने बड़े और कठिन विकास परियोजनाओं का सफल क्रियान्वयन शासन की सतत प्रक्रिया का परिणाम है। क्या है USBRL परियोजना उधमपुर से श्रीनगर होते हुए बारामुला तक रेल संपर्क बनाने वाली यह परियोजना भारत के सबसे कठिन रेल मार्गों में से एक मानी जाती है। पुलों, सुरंगों और दुर्गम इलाकों से गुजरती यह लाइन रणनीतिक और आर्थिक दृष्टि से अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है। इसके पूरा होने से कश्मीर घाटी सालभर सुगम रेल परिवहन से जुड़ जाएगी। निष्कर्ष:यह ऐतिहासिक रेल संपर्क सिर्फ एक ट्रांसपोर्ट प्रोजेक्ट नहीं, बल्कि जम्मू-कश्मीर के लिए विकास, एकता और अवसरों की नई पटरी है। चाहे वह शासन की निरंतरता की बहस हो या मौजूदा नेतृत्व की प्राथमिकता — कश्मीर अब रेल से भारत की मुख्यधारा से और भी गहराई से जुड़ चुका है।

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Editor01 mins

Virat Kohli ‘Gutted’ as 11 Die in Stampede During RCB IPL Victory Celebrations in Bengaluru

What began as a jubilant celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 win turned tragic on Wednesday, June 4, when a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured 47 others. Thousands had gathered to witness the team’s victory lap after their maiden IPL title win in 18 years, but the overwhelming crowd led to chaos and catastrophe. RCB star Virat Kohli, who led the team’s lap of honour inside a packed stadium, expressed heartbreak over the tragedy. Sharing the team’s official statement on Instagram, Kohli added a personal message: “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted 💔” According to reports, the stampede occurred when a temporary slab over a drain near the stadium collapsed under the weight of fans. The sudden fall caused panic, triggering a deadly stampede. Despite restricted entry via passes, over two lakh supporters reportedly gathered near and around the stadium, far exceeding its 35,000 capacity. The event, which had just begun, was cut short to 20 minutes once organisers were alerted to the developing situation. RCB released a statement saying they immediately modified the event in line with the advice from local authorities. All RCB players and support staff, including coach Andy Flower and mentor Dinesh Karthik, were present. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who had earlier welcomed the team at the airport, also joined the event. Addressing fans inside the stadium, an emotional Kohli said: “It’s no longer ‘Ee Saala Cup Namde’—it’s ‘Ee Saala Cup Namdu’. We’ve done it.This win isn’t just for the players—it’s for the fans, for the people of this incredible city. I’ve never seen a fanbase like this anywhere else in the world.” However, questions are being raised over the decision to proceed with the stadium event even as news of the stampede began to surface. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has come under fire for lack of proper crowd management and planning. In response, the KSCA announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives. Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the BCCI was not responsible for the event, but acknowledged that organisational lapses had occurred. Before the stadium event, the RCB team was felicitated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha, where celebrations began earlier in the day. The incident has cast a shadow over RCB’s long-awaited triumph and sparked a renewed debate on crowd safety and event management in high-profile public gatherings.

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Editor04 mins
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