Stampede-Like Situation at Jharkhand T20 League Final Leaves Several Injured

Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari urged people not to panic and said the Health Department was immediately activated after reports of injuries emerged from the stadium.

In a post on X, Ansari said ambulances were rushed to the venue and hospitals were alerted to ensure prompt treatment of the injured. Necessary instructions were also issued to the Civil Surgeon and other concerned officials.

“As soon as reports came in of some people being injured during the final T-20 match of the Jharkhand Premier League (JPL) at JSCA Stadium, I have immediately activated the Health Department. Necessary instructions have been issued to the Civil Surgeon and relevant officials. Ambulances have reached the spot, and all the injured are being provided with prompt medical assistance. Hospitals have also been alerted for the better treatment of the injured,” he said.

The minister added that he was personally monitoring the situation and assured that all necessary arrangements were being made for treatment and relief efforts.

“I myself am continuously monitoring the situation, and the Health Department is fully engaged in relief and treatment efforts with utmost readiness. There is no need to panic; arrangements are being ensured for the proper treatment of all the injured,” he said.

According to officials, an unexpectedly large crowd gathered at the stadium as entry for the JPL final was free. As the crowd increased, authorities closed the stadium gates, triggering unrest among spectators waiting outside.

Some people allegedly attempted to climb gates and boundary walls to enter the stadium, leading to chaos and a stampede-like situation. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Senior police officials, including Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Ranjan, reached the stadium, and additional police personnel were deployed to restore order.

Speaking to reporters, SSP Rakesh Ranjan said the incident was caused by crowd pressure at the entry point.

“Only one gate was open for public entry, which caused a sudden surge in the crowd. The slow pace of security frisking led to significant pressure from the public outside, and the crowd became unruly for a brief period. We stepped in and brought the situation under control,” he said.

He added that four to five people were injured and are receiving treatment. “The situation is now calm and under control,” he said.

Eyewitnesses, however, alleged poor crowd management and inadequate arrangements at the venue.

“The arrangements were absolutely poor. What was the point of opening only two gates when it was the final? All the gates should have been opened. The general public suffered a lot. People even started jumping over the wall to enter the match,” one eyewitness told ANI.

Another eyewitness claimed there was a lack of administrative control during the incident.

“There was no administration. My purse was stolen. A young girl's leg also probably got fractured. People lost their shoes and slippers. People were even jumping over the wall to get in,” the eyewitness said.