Why is Virat Kohli blamed by Karnataka Government for RCB Stampede Incident?

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The Karnataka government has placed significant blame on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise and prominently mentioned Virat Kohli, RCB's star cricketer, in its official report to the High Court regarding the deadly stampede that occurred outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025.

The incident claimed 11 lives and left several others injured, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a jubilant victory parade following RCB's first-ever IPL title win.

The government's report argues that the stampede was the result of "unilateral" actions by RCB-namely, inviting large crowds for a victory celebration without proper consultation or permission from city police and authorities.

The event organizers failed to follow the mandatory procedures set out under local law, which require formal applications and detailed plans regarding crowd size, safety arrangements, and traffic management. According to the report, RCB merely informed police of their intentions on June 3, only a day before the event, but never formally sought or received permission-a point the police confirmed by explicitly denying approval.

A crucial aspect cited by the Karnataka government is a public video appeal by Virat Kohli. In this widely shared video posted on social media, Kohli enthusiastically invited fans to attend the victory parade, promoting it as a "free entry" event.

Why is Virat Kohli blamed by Karnataka Government for RCB Stampede Incident?

The Karnataka government specifically blamed Virat Kohli's video appeal for the Bengaluru stampede because the video played a direct and significant role in drawing an overwhelming crowd to the RCB victory parade, despite authorities explicitly denying permission for such a large public event.

Government investigations revealed that the event organisers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and DNA Entertainment Networks, did not secure formal police approval to hold a public celebration.

Kohli's widely shared video invitation, which personally urged fans to attend what was described as a free-entry event at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Virat Kohli was heard asking for coverage of the celebrations live on-air and that played a big part in the chaos, as fans gathered around Chinnaswamy to get a glimpse of their favourite star.

The state government told the High Court that Kohli's video appeal gave fans the impression of a sanctioned, open-access celebration, which caused a surge estimated at more than 300,000 people-nearly ten times the stadium's capacity.

How did the Accident happen at Chinnaswamy?

The situation was aggravated when organisers suddenly announced a need for entry passes, contradicting earlier advertisements for open, barrier-free access. This abrupt change, combined with the already massive turnout incited by Kohli's appeal, created confusion and panic. The lack of proper crowd control measures and the late opening of entry gates further deteriorated the situation, resulting in disorder and ultimately tragedy.

Police arrested one DNA India employee in direct links with the stampede, and the matter remains under jurisdiction.