Bengaluru Stampede: Police Complaint Filed Against Virat Kohli for Allegedly Promoting Gambling Through IPL

Virat Kohli Named in Police Complaint Following Bengaluru Stampede After IPL 2025 Victory

Bengaluru, 7 June 2025 — A police complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Virat Kohli in the aftermath of the tragic Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives and left 56 injured outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 3. The crowd had gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their first-ever IPL title after 18 years.

Complaint Filed by Social Activist Against Kohli Over IPL ‘Gambling’ Claims

According to ANI, social activist HM Venkatesh submitted the complaint at Cubbon Park Police Station on Friday. The activist alleged that Kohli, through his association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the RCB team, promoted what he called "gambling" disguised as a sport.

“Virat Kohli of the Bengaluru RCB team is the most prominent among those who promoted such gambling and incited people to gather in a specific place, which led to this tragic event,” Venkatesh stated in the complaint.

He further claimed the IPL is not a sport but a form of gambling that has "contaminated the game of cricket," adding that Kohli should be named in the FIR and held responsible for encouraging the mass gathering.

Ongoing Investigation Into the Stampede Tragedy

The police confirmed that the complaint will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. While a case has already been registered in connection with the stampede, authorities stated that any new allegations would be considered during the legal process.

Four Individuals Remanded; KSCA Officials Seek Relief

Meanwhile, a sessions court in Bengaluru on Friday remanded four individuals to 14-day judicial custody over their alleged role in the stampede. Among them is Nikhil Sosale, Marketing and Revenue Head of RCB, who has now approached the Karnataka High Court challenging his arrest.

According to a Bar and Bench report, Sosale claims his arrest was arbitrary and violated his fundamental rights. He has filed a plea seeking immediate relief and a declaration that his arrest was unlawful.

Public Reaction: #ArrestKohli Trends on Social Media

Following the filing of the complaint, the hashtag #ArrestKohli began trending on X (formerly Twitter). While some users supported the activist's stance, others criticized the authorities and organizers for poor crowd control and lack of preparedness.

Summary of Key Developments:

Date of Incident: June 3, 2025

Casualties: 11 dead, 56 injured

Location: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Reason for Crowd: Celebration after RCB’s first IPL title win

Complaint Filed By: HM Venkatesh, social activist

Accusation: Promoting gambling via IPL; inciting massive crowd

Legal Action: 4 arrests; complaint against Kohli under review

Note: This incident has sparked nationwide debates on celebrity accountability, event security, and the ethics of commercialized sports like the IPL. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on how the legal system addresses these allegations.