A Deep Dive into the Bengaluru Stampede Controversy That Rocked Cricket and the Internet
What Should’ve Been a Historic Celebration…
On June 3, 2025, RCB fans finally got the moment they’d been waiting for — Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their first-ever IPL title after years of heartbreak and memes.
But what happened after the win made more noise than the victory itself.
What Went Wrong: The Stampede Tragedy
The next day, a massive public celebration event was organized outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Result? A deadly stampede that led to 11 deaths and over 30 injuries, turning euphoria into horror.
FIRs, Complaints, and the Big Names Dragged In
FIR Filed Against:
- DNA Entertainment (event organizer)
- KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Charged under IPC sections related to culpable homicide and negligence.
No FIR Yet Against Virat Kohli
But social activist H.M. Venkatesh filed a complaint claiming Kohli’s promotional post lured excessive crowds.
Police have clarified: “No FIR against Kohli as of now.”
#ArrestKohli Trends: Internet Goes Rogue
Despite no formal charges, Twitter (X) exploded with the hashtag #ArrestKohli, with some users:
- Accusing him of “celebrating while fans died outside.”
- Pointing fingers at his sudden flight to London right after the event.
- Sharing screenshots of his viral video dancing with Anushka Sharma at the event.
Meme culture + outrage = social media circus.
The RCB Official Everyone’s Talking About: Nikhil Sosale
Who is he?
- RCB’s Head of Marketing & Strategy
- Closely followed on Instagram by Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma
Why was he arrested?
- Allegedly coordinated event promotion and crowd mobilization.
- Police say he was key in organizing the chaotic victory event.
Nikhil Sosale’s private account and celeb links went viral fast.
Political Blame Game Begins
- Opposition slammed Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for allowing an “unmanaged crowd event.”
- Police officers suspended, but no politician or minister held accountable… yet.
- Netizens demand answers: “Who cleared this event? Who was watching crowd control?”
What Everyone is Googling
- Was Virat Kohli arrested?
No, only a complaint was filed. Police have confirmed no FIR.
- Is RCB legally responsible?
An FIR has been filed against the franchise as one of the event hosts.
- Who organized the event?
DNA Entertainment in partnership with KSCA and RCB.
- Why is Nikhil Sosale in jail?
He was part of the event’s marketing and allegedly didn’t coordinate safety protocols.
What Now?
- Judicial probe ordered by Karnataka govt.
- RCB issues statement expressing grief but avoids direct comment on legal matters.
- Kohli remains silent, currently abroad in London with family.
✅ 11 dead, 30+ injured in stampede after RCB’s IPL win
✅ FIR against DNA Entertainment, KSCA, RCB — not Kohli (yet)
✅ #ArrestKohli trends online after viral clips and flight to London
✅ Nikhil Sosale arrested — close to Kohli and part of RCB’s core team
✅ Political heat rises, police suspensions, but top leaders untouched
✅ Public outrage continues — from fans to critics to media watchdogs
When Glory Turns into Grief
What should have been a celebration of cricketing history turned into a case study on mismanagement, accountability, and online mob culture.
Virat Kohli, though not legally charged, finds himself in a PR hurricane — proof that in India, fandom can flip overnight.