Bengaluru, India – The social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been abuzz with the hashtag #ArrestKohli, as a significant number of users express outrage and demand action against cricketer Virat Kohli following a tragic stampede in Bengaluru. The incident, which occurred during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory, claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured. The backlash intensified after reports emerged that Kohli had reportedly left India for London shortly after the tragedy.
Stampede Shakes Bengaluru After RCB’s Historic Win
The stampede took place on June 4, 2025, outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title, won after 18 years. Accounts suggest a massive crowd, far exceeding the stadium’s capacity, attempted to gain entry, leading to chaos and the fatal crush. Conflicting announcements regarding a victory parade and a felicitation ceremony further fueled the confusion.
Preliminary investigations point to overcrowding, limited seating, and alleged management failures as key factors contributing to the tragedy. A temporary slab placed over a drain near the stadium reportedly collapsed under the weight of people, triggering panic.
Calls for Arrest as Officials Face Scrutiny
Public anger has been directed not only at the event organizers and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) but also at RCB’s star player, Virat Kohli. A social activist, HM Venkatesh, has filed a police complaint against Kohli, accusing him of promoting “gambling through IPL” which allegedly incited the massive crowd. While the police have stated this complaint will be examined under existing FIRs, it highlights the depth of public sentiment.
Several officials have already been arrested in connection with the stampede, including Nikhil Sosale, RCB’s Head of Marketing and Revenue, and three staff members from DNA Entertainment Private Limited, the event management company. The Karnataka government has also suspended top police officers, including the Bengaluru City Commissioner, for lapses in arrangements.
Kohli’s Departure and Online Backlash
Reports that Virat Kohli, along with his wife Anushka Sharma, were spotted at Mumbai airport leaving for London a day after the stampede fueled the #ArrestKohli trend. Many social media users viewed his swift departure as insensitive and a lack of empathy towards the victims and their families. Critics questioned why the celebrations were held so soon after the final, speculating if it was to accommodate Kohli’s travel plans.
While Kohli shared a formal message of condolence on Instagram, stating he was “deeply saddened” and his “thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims,” many netizens found this insufficient. They demanded a more active engagement from the cricketer, a visit to the victims’ families, or a more detailed statement. The timing of his departure, juxtaposed with the city’s mourning, has made his absence a significant point of contention.
Divided Opinions on Social Media
The #ArrestKohli trend has generated mixed reactions. While a substantial number of users are demanding accountability from Kohli, his loyal fanbase has swiftly launched counter-trends like “WE LOVE YOU KOHLI,” defending him and emphasizing that he was not responsible for crowd management. They argue that the blame lies with the organizers and the system, not the players who were present for the event.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on crowd safety measures at large-scale public events in India and the responsibilities of public figures in times of crisis. The tragic stampede serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for robust planning and execution of crowd control strategies to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
