The Kolkata police have arrested an 18-year-old man for pitch invasion after he disrupted the opening match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens Saturday.
The accused, Rhituparno Pakhira, ran onto the field and embraced Virat Kohli before falling at his feet. The incident took place at approximately 10.27 pm during the 13th over, shortly after Kohli had scored his half-century, while RCB were comfortably headed towards victory. Play was halted for a few minutes before security staff escorted the fan off the field.
According to police reports, Pakhira, who hails from Jamalpur in the Purba Bardhaman district, scaled the fencing net near the ‘G’ Block, using force against on-duty police personnel. His actions caused significant disruption to the match, alarming both KKR and RCB players and potentially endangering their safety, the police said.
Upon his apprehension, Pakhira reportedly expressed his deep admiration for cricketer Virat Kohli, stating, “Virat is my god, and I am prepared to face anything for him.”
The police took Pakhira to the Maidan police Station. A suo moto complaint filed by a sub-inspector led to the registration of a formal case. Pakhira has been charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 132 (assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant), 329(3) (criminal trespass), and 125 (acts that endanger human life or personal safety through reckless or negligent actions).
Kohli’s unbeaten 36-ball 59 helped RCB kick off their campaign with a seven-wicket win against KKR.
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