No FIR Against Virat Kohli in Bengaluru Stampede Case

Virat Kohli: On June 4, 2025, a tragic stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory celebrations claimed 11 lives, mostly young fans, and injured over 30. RCB had just won their first IPL title in 18 years on June 3, defeating Punjab Kings. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) organized a felicitation event, expecting 35,000 fans, but 2–3 lakh turned up after RCB announced free passes, despite the Karnataka government denying permission for an open-bus parade due to security concerns. Poor crowd management led to chaos, with fans, eager to see stars like Virat Kohli, caught in a deadly crush near the stadium gates.

No FIR Against Virat Kohli

A complaint was filed against Kohli on June 6 at Cubbon Park Police Station by activist HM Venkatesh, alleging Kohli’s promotion of a “gambling culture” through the IPL incited the crowd, indirectly causing the tragedy. However, as of June 7, 2025, no FIR has been registered against him. Police are reviewing the complaint under an existing investigation, but no direct action has been taken. Meanwhile, three FIRs were filed against RCB management, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment for culpable homicide and negligence. Four DNA Entertainment officials were arrested, and several senior police officers, including Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, were suspended. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah ordered a probe, and a new commissioner, Seemanth Kumar Singh, was appointed.

Kohli expressed grief on Instagram, stating he was “gutted” by the incident, while he and Anushka Sharma appeared somber upon returning to Mumbai. Celebrities like Kamal Haasan and Sachin Tendulkar also mourned the loss. Public reaction on X is mixed, some blame Kohli for the fan frenzy, while others defend him, pointing to systemic failures by organizers. The Karnataka High Court granted KSCA officials interim relief from police action until June 9.

The incident underscores the need for better event planning and crowd control, especially given Kohli’s massive influence. While he faces no legal action currently, the tragedy has sparked debate about accountability, with fingers pointing at RCB, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment for logistical failures. A special probe team is investigating, but the victims’ families await clarity on compensation as the nation grapples with the cost of poor event management in cricket-crazy India.

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