In the aftermath of the deadly stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, police have taken strong action, arresting Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Head of Marketing, Nikhil Sosale. He was apprehended at the Bengaluru airport just as he was about to board a flight to Mumbai. Along with him, several officials from the event management firm responsible for organizing the victory celebration have also been detained.
The tragic incident, which occurred on June 4 during RCB’s celebratory parade following their historic first-ever IPL title win, left 11 people dead and nearly 50 injured. The stampede happened as thousands of fans gathered outside the stadium to catch a glimpse of RCB stars like Virat Kohli. Police reportedly failed to control the surging crowd.
An FIR has already been registered in connection with the incident, and a formal investigation is underway. Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park Police Station has taken suo motu cognizance and initiated legal proceedings not only against RCB officials but also against the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Among those under interrogation are three key representatives from DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd., the firm that managed the event—Kiran, Sumanth, and Sunil Mathew.
As public outcry grows, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has suspended multiple senior police officials, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. Others removed from duty include the Cubbon Park Station Inspector, Station House Officer, Central Division DCP, Assistant Commissioner of Police, and the officer in charge of stadium security.
Meanwhile, KSCA’s secretary and treasurer are reportedly absconding, with police raids at their residences failing to trace their whereabouts.
In a significant legal development, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragedy. During a court hearing, the state government confirmed that the investigation will be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed. The government assured the court that no one would be spared, regardless of their position or affiliation.
The Karnataka government has also announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for each of the victims’ families and has ordered a magistrate-level inquiry into the incident.
