‘Together, we’ll find strength’: Kohli on stampede

Kohli, Patidar speak out after Chinnaswamy tragedy, highlighting remembrance, care & long-term safety measures

OB Bureau

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken a moment of reflection following the tragic stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which claimed 11 lives during the team’s IPL title celebrations. In its first official statement since the incident, midweek, the franchise expressed grief and a commitment to responsible action going forward.

In a statement shared via RCB’s social media, talismanic batter Virat Kohli reflected on the heartbreak, “Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history… turned into something tragic. I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost… and for our fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility.”

RCB highlighted the collective sentiment, stating, “Virat Kohli reflects on his emotions, and echoes how all of us at RCB feel.”

Hours later, team skipper Patidar expressed solidarity with fans, saying, “Every time I walk out for RCB, it’s with passion, and that passion comes from you. From your love, your belief, and your unwavering support. You’ve always stood by us. And from the bottom of my heart, I want you to know that we stand with you too. You’ve all been in my thoughts and prayers. With all of us holding on to each other, we’ll find our strength again.”

Earlier, under the new initiative, “RCB Cares”, the team announced financial aid of ₹25 lakh each for the families of the deceased and vowed a long-term commitment to honour their memory. RCB also said it would work closely with the IPL and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to strengthen crowd management protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The tragedy occurred during celebrations following RCB’s maiden IPL title win, when thousands of jubilant fans gathered outside the stadium. Chaos ensued as crowds attempted to forcefully enter the venue, leading to the stampede.

The incident was later discussed in the Karnataka Assembly. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that five senior police officers had been suspended for failing to act, despite social media posts warning about the celebrations. He also confirmed that criminal cases had been lodged against RCB, DNA Entertainment Private Ltd, and KSCA, with the investigation now handled by the CID.

“Justice will not be served merely if I apologise. Justice will prevail only when action is initiated. This incident should never have happened. Once again, I express my regrets,” Siddaramaiah said.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has held Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) responsible for the massive crowd outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, following the team’s maiden IPL title celebrations. An estimated three to five lakh people had gathered, and police were unable to control the swelling crowd, leading to 11 deaths and over 50 injuries.

A two-member CAT bench, comprising Justice B.K. Shrivastava and Santosh Mehra, observed that RCB, owned by Diageo, had “created nuisance” by going ahead with the celebrations without obtaining necessary regulatory permissions.

The remarks appeared in a 29-page order issued in July, during the hearing of a case filed by Vikash Kumar, Inspector General and Additional Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru (West). The tribunal emphasised that organisers of large public events must adhere to regulatory protocols to prevent such tragedies.

For RCB, Kohli, Patidar, and the team as a whole, the focus remains on remembrance, healing, and responsibility. “Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility,” Kohli concluded — a message that resonates deeply with a city still grappling with loss.