After 18 long years of anticipation, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025. However, what was meant to be a jubilant celebration quickly turned into a tragedy. Following their championship win, RCB planned a celebratory roadshow in Bengaluru, which was later canceled due to logistical concerns. Instead, the celebration took place at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where thousands of fans gathered to witness the historic moment.
Unfortunately, the event was marred by a stampede that resulted in the death of 11 people and left 56 others injured, casting a shadow over the festivities.
Bengaluru stampede | Karnataka High Court grants protection from arrest to Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials after they approached the Court seeking quashing of the case registered against KSCA management over the incident
— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025
FIR Filed Against RCB Management and KSCA
In response to the tragic incident, the Bengaluru Police filed an FIR against the RCB management, the event management firm DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The charges were based on allegations of mismanagement and negligence that may have contributed to the chaos at the stadium.
KSCA Moves High Court for Relief
Reacting swiftly, KSCA President Raghu Ram Bhat and other association officials approached the Karnataka High Court, seeking dismissal of the FIR filed against them. During the hearing, the court noted that no coercive action should be taken against any KSCA officials until the next hearing date.
The FIR, registered on Thursday, named several individuals from RCB and DNA Entertainment, prompting KSCA to seek immediate judicial intervention.
Key RCB and Event Management Officials Detained
Following the FIR, the Bengaluru Police detained four key personnel, including:
Nikhil Sosle – RCB’s Head of Marketing and Revenue
Sunil Matthew – RCB official
Kiran Kumar – DNA Entertainment
Another unnamed officer
Some of these individuals were reportedly detained from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are yet to determine the full extent of responsibility.
Next Hearing on June 9
The Karnataka High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 9, where the petition filed by RCB’s marketing head Nikhil Sosle and other officials will be reviewed in greater detail. Until then, the court has instructed that no harsh action be taken against the named parties.
Karnataka HC hears Marketing and Revenue Head of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Nikhil Sosale’s petition challenging his arrest. Attorney General says that this morning, the accused Nikhil was arrested while he was on his way to Dubai. Let the investigation go on. Arrest… https://t.co/zyiWTaNGo0
— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025