Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally clinched their maiden IPL title after eighteen years, a moment that should have been pure joy for Virat Kohli and fans alike. However, the celebrations took a grim turn in Bengaluru when a massive crowd gathered to greet the team outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. A stampede broke out, tragically claiming eleven lives and injuring sixty-seven others.
According to several videos and rumours, despite the chaos outside, festivities "allegedly" continued inside the stadium. Kohli and RCB captain Rajat Patidar addressed enthusiastic fans, while the squad was earlier honoured by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha. The joyous mood was in stark contrast to the distress unfolding beyond the stadium gates.
The Bengaluru Police responded swiftly, taking four officials from RCB and event management firm DNA Entertainment Private Limited into custody. An FIR has been registered against RCB, DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), citing serious charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other sections relating to public safety and unlawful assembly under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with #ArrestViratKohli trending prominently on the platform X (formerly Twitter). Many users allegedly blamed Kohli and other RCB players, suggesting they share responsibility for the tragedy due to inadequate crowd control and safety measures. Others criticised Kohli for reportedly leaving for London soon after the incident instead of staying back to console victims¡¯ families.
Authorities are currently probing the causes of the stampede. The FIR details multiple charges including causing hurt, obstructing public servants, and acts endangering the safety of others. The case remains under active investigation as Bengaluru grapples with the aftermath of what was meant to be a victorious celebration.