Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the Indian Premier League after 18 years. Unfortunately, the celebrations for their championship win quickly turned into a nightmare. Eleven innocent people lost their lives, and 75 were injured due to a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The tragedy unfolded during a victory parade, which had initially been denied permission by the Bengaluru police.
Now, following the tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken some serious steps. RCB’s marketing head, Nikhil Sosale, has been arrested following his directions. Not only that, the Chief Minister also took action against RCB officials, DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association. The other individuals detained were identified as Sunil Matthew, the director and vice president; Sumanth, DNA’s ticketing official; and Kiran Kumar, the manager.
Sosale has been closely associated with RCB since its early years. He leads the design, strategy, and delivery of the business and marketing aspects of the leading brand and commercial program in the IPL. He has been a visible presence at RCB games throughout the 2025 season, often sitting with his wife, Malvika Nayak, and Anushka Sharma. Sosale also maintains a low-profile Instagram account, which is followed by both Virat Kohli and Anushka.
In response to the tragedy, RCB announced official aid for all 11 families who lost their loved ones in the stampede. The franchise has also established an ‘RCB Cares’ fund to support those who were injured in the incident. Cricket fans all over the world are divided on the matter. While some fans have requested others to keep the franchise and the players, especially Kohli, away from the controversy, others have demanded strict action against the franchise due to its irresponsibility.
Virat Kohli responds to tragedy during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory parade
After the incident took place, the entire country was eagerly awaiting the reaction of one man, Virat Kohli himself. On 5th June, King took to Instagram and posted a picture of his team RCB’s official statement on the matter. The 36-year-old star stated that he was at a loss for words about the incident and was absolutely gutted.
The Bengaluru side’s post stated that the team was deeply anguished by the news. They claimed that safety and well-being were important to them. RCB mourned the tragic loss of lives and extended their condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones.
The franchise was heavily criticized for continuing celebrations inside the stadium while the incident occurred outside. Multiple media channels criticized Kohli for not doing enough for the affected families. Fans have been losing their patience after hearing the news of the Indian legend opting to leave for London with his wife, Anushka. However, others have claimed that these rumors are false and merely an attempt to stir controversy.
