RCB stampede tragedy: Virat Kohli says he’s ‘absolutely gutted’
₹5 lakh compensation announced for victims’ families
Bengaluru: Cricketer Virat Kohli expressed deep sorrow over the stampede that occurred outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations, which claimed at least 11 lives. Sharing the official statement from RCB on Instagram, Kohli wrote, “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.”
The RCB statement said the team was “deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents.” It added, “The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”
RCB clarified that it amended its programme as soon as it was informed about the situation and followed instructions from the local authorities. “We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” the statement read.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also expressed “deep concern and heartfelt condolences” over the tragedy. KSCA’s Chief Finance Officer, Shivaji Lokre, stated, “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained. We sincerely regret this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time.”
RCB and KSCA jointly announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives. Lokre clarified that this amount is not intended to replace the value of human life, but as “a gesture of support and solidarity.”
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Centre spent Rs 76.13 lakh on print media ads for RSS centenary, reveals RTI
New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Culture allegedly spent Rs 76.13 lakh on print advertisements marking the 100-year celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), according to a Right to Information (RTI) reply.
The information was sought by RTI activist Ajay Basudev Bose, who filed an application seeking details on expenditure incurred by the ministry for advertisements commemorating the RSS centenary.
Bose shared a picture of the reply from the ministry on his official ‘X’ handle.
“It is informed that an amount of Rs 76,13,129 has been spent on advertisement given in various print media by the Ministry of Culture on the occasion of the completion of 100 years of RSS,” the government’s reply stated.
RTI reply shows Min of Culture Govt of India spent a Whopping Rs 76L,13K,129 on Advertisement in Print Media on occasion of 100 yrs of #RSS
— AJAY Basudev Bose (@AjayBos93388306) April 16, 2026
When Everyone knows RSS is Not Registered & Does not Pay any Tax is it justified to spend Tax Payers Money on such Private event??@RSSorg… pic.twitter.com/dW4IUtdNCg
Bose questioned the expenditure in the post X, “when Everyone knows RSS is Not Registered & Does not Pay any Tax is it justified to spend Tax Payers Money on such Private event??”
Reacting to the development, Karnataka’s IT-BT and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge also criticised the spending.
In a post on X, he asked why public money was being used for what he described as a “private ideological project.”
"Modi Sarkar spent Rs 76,13,129 of public money on newspaper advertisements to celebrate 100 years of the RSS. Why is Government spending taxpayers money on an unregistered, non-tax-paying organisation to celebrate their centenary?," he added.
Why is public money being used to serve a private ideological project?
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) April 16, 2026
Modi Sarkar spent ₹76,13,129 of public money on newspaper advertisements to celebrate 100 years of the RSS.
Why is Government spending taxpayers money on an unregistered, non-tax-paying organisation to… pic.twitter.com/EoZ6Pim3IM
According to reports, the RSS describes itself as a volunteer-based organisation and has stated that it functions as a body of individuals rather than a registered entity.
Founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925, the organisation is marking its centenary year beginning from Vijaydashami in 2025, with the milestone observed on October 2.
