Bengaluru, Jun 08 (V7N) – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finds itself embroiled in controversy after a tragic stampede claimed 11 lives outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the team's IPL trophy celebration. The incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage, has now extended to cricket star Virat Kohli, with a complaint filed against him at Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park police station.

According to a report by the Times of India, social activist HM Venkatesh lodged a formal complaint accusing Kohli of indirectly contributing to the incident. The complainant alleges that Kohli promoted gambling through his involvement with the IPL, which attracted a massive crowd to the stadium and ultimately led to the fatal stampede.

While no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against Kohli yet, Bengaluru police confirmed to news agency ANI that the complaint will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic event.

Venkatesh’s complaint claims, "The Indian Premier League is not a sport anymore. It is gambling disguised as cricket. Kohli, being the face of the league, has encouraged public participation in this corrupt system." He argues that Kohli’s public association with the tournament makes him morally accountable for the crowd frenzy that led to the deaths.

In connection with the case, RCB senior officer Nikhil Sosle and employees of three event management firms have already been arrested. A local sessions court has remanded them to 14 days of judicial custody.

The incident has raised serious questions about crowd control, public safety at large-scale events, and the role of celebrity endorsements in potentially fueling mass gatherings. Further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds.

END/MSS/AJ