FIR Against Virat Kohli Demanded In Wake Of Bengaluru Stampede

Two days after a tragic stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured dozens during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title celebrations, a local activist has approached police demanding an FIR against cricketer Virat Kohli.

HM Venkatesh, a social activist, submitted a complaint at Cubbon Park Police Station urging that Virat Kohli be made the main accused in the case. The police acknowledged the complaint, informing him that an FIR has already been registered in connection with the stampede and that his letter would be examined.

The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday when overcrowding, free passes, and limited stadium seating caused a surge of people outside the stadium, leading to the fatal stampede. The event was organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association to celebrate RCB's first-ever IPL title since its inception in 2008.

Following the incident, political tensions escalated with the BJP blaming the Congress-led state government for mismanagement and lack of safety measures. The Siddaramaiah government responded by suspending Bengaluru Police Commissioner and four other officers citing negligence. However, the BJP criticized the move as a token gesture aimed at appeasing public anger.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the BJP for politicizing the tragedy, stating, "We have taken action against those who were visibly responsible and found to be negligent in their duty." He announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for each deceased victim's family and assured free treatment for the injured, of whom 47 have been treated and discharged.

When Celebrities Face Stampede FIRs: The Allu Arjun Incident

This is not the first time a celebrity has come under legal scrutiny following a stampede at a public event. On December 4, 2024, a stampede during the premiere of Allu Arjun's film Pushpa 2 at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre resulted in one death and left a child critically injured.

An FIR was registered naming Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management as accused under sections related to culpable homicide and causing hurt. The actor was arrested, granted interim bail, and later regular bail. The police had criticized security lapses and Allu Arjun's security team for allegedly pushing fans, which contributed to the chaos.

While investigations in both cases continue, the Bengaluru stampede FIR is yet to name Virat Kohli formally, though activists are seeking to hold him accountable. The Allu Arjun case saw swift legal action against the actor and his associates, reflecting different approaches to assigning responsibility in such tragic incidents involving high-profile personalities.