What should have been a proud and happy moment for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
The Celebration That Turned Deadly
After RCB won their first-ever IPL title in 2025, thousands of fans gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to celebrate. But the massive crowd — around 300,000 people — was too big to control. There were no proper barricades or safety measures. This led to a stampede, where at least 11 people died and many others were injured.
Viral Fan Video
Before the tragedy, a video went viral of an RCB fan performing a dangerous act. The man, a big fan of Virat Kohli, cut his wrist and used his blood as tilak on a poster of Kohli. Many people on social media called the act reckless, and it became a warning about how fan celebrations can go too far — a warning that sadly came true.
Police Action
The Karnataka Police have filed a case against the state cricket board, RCB, and event organizer DNA Entertainment Networks. Four people have already been arrested for poor planning and safety failure during the parade.
Read more: Bengaluru Stampede: 11 Dead, RCB Top Boss Nabbed at Airport While Trying To Flee?
Why Is Kohli Being Blamed?
The public is now angry with Virat Kohli. Just a day after the stampede, he flew to London with his wife Anushka Sharma, and many fans feel he should have stayed in the city to show respect and support to the victims’ families.
On social media, the hashtag #ArrestKohli started trending. Some people believe that as the face of RCB and Indian cricket, Kohli should have spoken up or delayed his travel.
Kohli’s Supporters Speak Up
At the same time, many people have defended Kohli. They say he is a player, not responsible for planning events or ensuring crowd safety. “It’s the job of the organizers and the government to manage such crowds,” said one user online.
The Bigger Question
This tragic incident has started a larger conversation about:
- The role of celebrities in public events
- The lack of proper planning and safety
- The extreme actions fans take to support their idols
While the city mourns and the investigation continues, many families are left waiting — not just for sympathy but for real answers and accountability.
Also See: Four Arrested After Deadly Crowd Crush at RCB Victory Parade in Bengaluru
RCB’s historic win, which was supposed to be a moment of joy, is now overshadowed by grief and loss. No matter where the blame falls, this victory has come at a heartbreaking cost.
