Follow UsWhile the news of deaths caused due to a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium did the rounds on one screen, on simultaneous screens the celebration, led by none other than the legend of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat Kohli, was shown.
It did not look good at all and reeked of something on the lines of sadistic pleasure, although it did come to light later on that those inside the stadium had no idea of what was happening outside.
All of this happened on June 4, a fateful day now etched in the memories of fans of the franchise as one that saw 11 loyal fans lose their lives just because they wanted to have a glimpse of their idols with their first-ever IPL trophy in 18 years.
Finally, Kohli reacted to the matter for the first time on September 3 (Wednesday), two days after the RCB Cares Fund was announced by the franchise.
Through that initiative, the franchise would provide compensation of INR 25 Lakhs to the family of the deceased and those seriously injured during the unfortunate stampede, for which the one-man enquiry committee held the franchise responsible.
"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,” Kohli was quoted as saying in a post made on X by the franchise.
“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,” the Indian modern-day great had added in the same post.
Not only the compensation of INR 25 Lakh, the RCB Cares Fund will also be utilised to build a memorial for the fans who lost their lives in the stampede. It will be built in Bengaluru itself, said the franchise in another post.