RCB Victory Celebrations in Bengaluru Turn Chaotic, Police Intervene

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans celebrated the team's second consecutive IPL title with great enthusiasm across Karnataka, leading to chaotic scenes that required police intervention. The celebrations erupted after RCB defeated Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In Bengaluru, large crowds gathered in areas like MG Road, Brigade Road, and Koramangala, where fans climbed onto moving vehicles and blocked traffic while waving RCB flags. Police were deployed in significant numbers to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Officers at busy junctions like Cubbon Park repeatedly urged fans to clear the roads and avoid dangerous stunts. Those who ignored the warnings were dispersed, and security personnel maintained a strict vigil throughout the night. In North Karnataka, the situation was more challenging, with fans in Hubballi, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Bidar, and Kalaburagi gathering in large numbers and blocking major intersections. In Hubballi, police resorted to mild lathi charges to disperse the crowd. Authorities had anticipated large-scale celebrations and made elaborate security arrangements, which helped prevent major incidents despite some disorder and traffic disruptions. The celebrations highlighted the immense popularity of RCB and the strong emotional connection the franchise has with cricket fans across the state.