A tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) victory celebrations in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025, claimed 11 lives and has now become the center of a major controversy. The Karnataka government, in its official report submitted to the High Court, has placed the primary responsibility for the incident on the RCB franchise and also mentioned a video of star cricketer Virat Kohli — posted just hours before the accident — as a contributing factor.
What Happened?
After RCB clinched their maiden IPL title on June 3 in Ahmedabad, they returned to Bengaluru the following day for celebrations. What was intended to be a moment of joy turned tragic when an unregulated crowd surge led to a stampede during the victory parade preparations. The police had reportedly denied formal permission for the public event due to safety concerns.
What Did Kohli Say in the Video?
At the heart of the current debate is a video posted by RCB on June 4 at 8:54 AM, just hours before the fatal incident. In the video — which is still available on RCB’s official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) account — Kohli is seen in the dressing room post-match, saying:
"I'm going to feel the real side of it when we get to Bengaluru tomorrow and celebrate this with the city — and the fans, who have always stood by us in good and bad times."
The government’s report suggests that this video gave fans the impression of an open public celebration in Bengaluru, leading to massive gatherings outside the stadium. The report indicates that despite police denial of permission for a parade, the franchise did not cancel or officially withdraw the announcement, nor did they attempt to manage the crowd effectively.
Can a Case Be Filed Against Kohli?
Legal experts suggest that while Kohli’s statement in the video may have inadvertently encouraged fans to gather, there’s no direct appeal or call to assemble at a specific location or time. Since the video was recorded in a moment of team celebration and lacked intent or instruction, it is unlikely to constitute legal incitement.
However, the inclusion of Kohli’s video in the government’s report raises an important question: were the players aware that no police permission had been granted for any public event? If not, responsibility may lie squarely with the franchise’s management and event organizers.
The Broader Accountability
The High Court-ordered report has largely blamed RCB’s management for the lack of coordination and timely communication with civic and police authorities. It cites delayed requests for permission, reliance on social media announcements, and insufficient crowd management as major failings.
Whether any criminal liability will arise — either for the franchise or any individuals — remains to be seen. As of now, no formal case has been registered against Virat Kohli or any RCB player.
