New Delhi
Nikhil Sosale, a senior official of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has been granted interim bail by the Karnataka High Court after being arrested in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred on June 4. The incident took place during RCB's victory celebration at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, following their first-ever IPL title win. An estimated crowd of nearly 3 lakh fans had gathered, leading to a deadly stampede that killed 11 people and injured many others.
Sosale, along with two officials from DNA Networks—the event management company associated with RCB—was released under specific conditions, such as surrendering their passports. Reports also indicate that RCB’s parent company, Diageo, may begin an internal inquiry into the actions of its officials.
The Bengaluru Police registered an FIR against RCB, DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which oversees the stadium. Officials claim the event was organized without required permissions.
In the wake of the tragedy and growing public outrage, KSCA Secretary A. Shankar and Treasurer E.S. Jairam resigned, taking moral responsibility. KSCA President Raghuram Bhat accepted their resignations and stated that the association would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
RCB, listed as the first accused in the FIR, expressed condolences to the victims' families through an official statement but has not provided further details about the mishap. Meanwhile, investigations continue as authorities examine failures in crowd control, planning, and permission for the event.