A stampede-like situation broke out at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi during the final match of the Jharkhand T20 League (JTL) on Tuesday after an unexpectedly large crowd gathered at the venue.
Several people were reportedly injured in the incident, prompting the state government to activate emergency medical response measures.
Following the incident, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari said the Health Department had been placed on high alert and that ambulances were rushed to the stadium to assist the injured.
“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,” Ansari said in a post on X.
The minister said hospitals across the city had also been alerted to ensure timely treatment for those injured.
“Hospitals have also been alerted for the better treatment of the injured. 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 added.
The exact number of people injured was not immediately known. Authorities are monitoring the situation as relief and medical assistance continue at the venue.
Speaking on the stampede-like situation, Ranchi SSP Rakesh Ranjan said, “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. Some people sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. To my knowledge, four or five individuals were hurt. The situation is now calm and under control.”
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses criticised the arrangements and called JSCA’s system “completely useless”.
“The maintenance here is terrible. It got incredibly overcrowded… The JSCA’s system is completely useless. Nobody seems to care. People were having their phones stolen and their slippers broken. Everyone was scrambling in all directions… There is no system in place to manage the crowd. Someone even picked my friend’s pocket and stole Rs 10,000, taking advantage of the crowd,” said an eyewitness.
“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,” stated another eyewitness.
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