A formal complaint was lodged on Friday against Indian cricket star Virat Kohli by activist HM Venkatesh of Shivamogga, following the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebration, which resulted in 11 fatalities.
The complaint, filed at Cubbon Park police station near the stadium, accuses Kohli of being connected to the incident due to his association with RCB. In response, officials confirmed that the matter will be examined under an existing case already registered related to the stampede.
The fatal crowd surge occurred on Wednesday during a felicitation event organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to honour RCB’s maiden IPL triumph in 18 years. A temporary slab placed over a drain collapsed, triggering panic and chaos as it could not bear the weight of the large crowd standing atop it.
Many of the deceased were aged between 13 and 35. Over 50 people sustained injuries.
Reports reveal that the Bengaluru Police had advised postponing the parade, but the government proceeded despite concerns. It also emerged that RCB’s management did not seek prior police clearance before announcing the parade on social media, leading to a massive turnout and logistical breakdown.
In response to the tragedy, Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner B Dayananda was suspended, and Seemanth Kumar Singh was appointed in his place.
RCB’s marketing head Nikhil Sosale was arrested at the airport while trying to fly to Mumbai. Three staffers from event partner DNA Entertainment Pvt Ltd were also detained.
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