Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy was overshadowed by chaotic scenes outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. On Thursday, Kohli took the field for the first time in 12 years in the first-class tournament during Delhi’s match against Railways, led by Suraj Ahuja. Enthusiastic fans gathered in large numbers to witness the star cricketer’s comeback, but the situation quickly turned disorderly.
Outside Gate 16, a surge of fans resulted in pushing and shoving, leading to injuries.
At least three individuals sustained injuries after falling near the entry gate, with one requiring a bandage on the leg. A security guard was also hurt while attempting to manage the crowd.
A police motorcycle was damaged, and several fans lost their footwear in the commotion. The injured were attended to by DDCA security and police personnel near the gate.
Delhi’s cricket administrators appeared unprepared for the turnout. Initially, only three gates, including Gate 16, were scheduled to be open for fans. However, as the crowd swelled, an additional gate was eventually opened to accommodate the influx.
Fans began gathering outside Gates 16 and 17, the nearest to the Delhi Gate Metro Station, from as early as 8 am. They waited for over an hour before the gates were unlocked. In response to the overwhelming numbers, the Bishan Singh Bedi Stand was opened, in addition to the originally designated Gautam Gambhir Stand.
As the crowd pressed forward, young fans found it difficult to breathe due to the jostling. Some parents lifted their children onto their shoulders to prevent suffocation. Those near the entry gate urged the crowd behind them to move back upon seeing the injured, but their requests were ignored. When the gates finally opened, security personnel worked to control the crowd and assist the injured.
However, security checks at the gate were minimal. Despite the DDCA’s directive that fans carry a copy of their Aadhar Card, many rushed to nearby photocopy centres for documentation, only for the identification to go unchecked in the ensuing chaos.
Confusion persisted inside the stadium. Many students had left their bags near Gate 16, following security instructions. However, some were denied access to retrieve their belongings after entering the Gautam Gambhir Stand.
Upon learning that Delhi had won the toss and chosen to bowl, a few fans sought to leave, knowing Kohli would not bat immediately. However, they were initially prevented from exiting the stand, leading to arguments with security personnel. After continued disputes, some fans were eventually allowed to collect their belongings. Additional security personnel were deployed to the stand an hour into the match.
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