#ArrestKohli trends after RCB victory parade turns tragic

The hashtag #ArrestKohli has stormed to the top of social media trends across India, following a tragic turn of events during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 victory parade.

Tragedy and 11 deaths

Public outrage erupted after 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during the celebrations in Bengaluru, and the perceived lack of accountability from team captain Virat Kohli has only added fuel to the fire.

RCB’s thrilling 6-run win over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final on June 3 ended an 18-year wait for the franchise’s first-ever IPL title. Naturally, fans flooded the streets of Bengaluru to join the celebratory parade. However, what was meant to be a jubilant moment in the city’s sporting history turned into a national tragedy.

Poor crowd management and logistical failures led to a deadly stampede, with videos of chaos and grief spreading rapidly across social media.

Investigations have revealed that the Karnataka government ignored warnings and recommendations from senior police officials about the need for stricter crowd control measures. As a result, the situation spiraled out of control. In the aftermath, the state government swiftly removed the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner and appointed a new one, in what many see as a delayed and reactive measure.

Kohli’s lack of compassion!

Amid this, Virat Kohli faced severe criticism for not staying back in Bengaluru to console the bereaved families or issue a public statement. His decision to quietly return to Mumbai after the parade, without addressing the tragedy, triggered massive backlash. As emotions ran high, the hashtag #ArrestKohli began trending, with many accusing him of showing insensitivity toward the fans who lost their lives celebrating his team’s success.

Critics argue that as the team’s face and captain, Kohli had a moral responsibility to respond compassionately. “He could have at least visited the injured or issued a heartfelt message,” one fan wrote. Others echoed similar sentiments, feeling let down by his silence during a moment that called for leadership off the field.

Misguided outrage?

However, not everyone agrees with the sentiment. A section of netizens defended Kohli, saying the blame lies squarely with the Karnataka government and local authorities who failed to ensure public safety. “#ArrestKohli is trending, but where is the accountability from the ministers who ignored police advice?” read one viral post, highlighting the politicization and emotional complexity of the tragedy.

Kohli, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, had been hailed as a hero for leading RCB to their long-awaited championship. But this latest development has overshadowed that historic feat, casting a cloud over what should have been a triumphant moment in his career. The situation continues to unfold, with public sentiment deeply divided. What remains clear is that the celebrations turned into mourning because of poor planning, and now, cricket’s biggest icon finds himself at the center of a storm that extends far beyond the boundary lines.