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Sports, June 8, 2025 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) recently clinched the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 title, but the joy of the victory has been overshadowed by a tragic incident. During the celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL triumph at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, a stampede caused by an overwhelming crowd led to the deaths of 11 fans and injuries to over 33 others. The aftermath of this incident has now reached the police station, with a complaint filed against RCB star Virat Kohli.
A social activist, H.M. Venkatesh, lodged a complaint at Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park police station. In his complaint, Venkatesh alleged, “The most significant name in creating the circumstances for this tragedy through promoting gambling and inciting people to gather at a specific location is Virat Kohli.” He urged the police to include Kohli and his team members in the FIR related to the incident and to take necessary action.
However, Bengaluru police have clarified that no new FIR has been registered against Kohli. A senior police official stated, “The complaint will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation under an existing case. We are looking into the matter.” The police have already filed a case against the RCB franchise, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and DNA Entertainment Private Limited, holding them responsible for negligence and failure in crowd management.
In connection with the incident, Bengaluru police arrested RCB’s head of marketing and revenue, Nikhil Sosale, along with DNA Entertainment’s Vice President (Business Affairs) Sunil Mathew and Senior Event Manager Kiran Kumar on Friday. Additionally, acknowledging moral responsibility, KSCA’s Secretary E.S. Shankar and Treasurer E.S. Jayaram have resigned, citing their failure in managing the event.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media. One X user wrote, “Tears for an IPL victory, but none for the fans who lost their lives? Virat Kohli, you’ve lost our respect.”
RCB has announced compensation of INR 10 lakh for the families of each deceased fan. However, this tragedy has cast a shadow over RCB and Kohli’s historic IPL victory.
AI/MR
