High Court grants bail in stampede case

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday granted conditional bail to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Marketing Head Nikhil Sosale and three others, who were arrested in connection with the stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s victory celebrations earlier this month.

Justice S.R. Krishnakumar presided over the hearing of interim bail pleas filed by Sosale, Sunil Mathew (head of DNA Entertainment Networks), and associates Kiran and Shamant Mavinakere. The court directed all four to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and surrender their passports to the authorities.

During earlier proceedings, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, representing the government, alleged that RCB made no official request for permission to host the victory parade. Instead, a social media post announcing the event was shared just an hour before the celebration began, inviting the public without any official clearance.

The sudden announcement on June 4 led to thousands gathering near the stadium, overwhelming security arrangements. Prosecutors argued that the event was unauthorized and held RCB and DNA Entertainment accountable for crowd control failures.

Authorities stated that Sosale had allegedly attempted to flee the country, having already purchased a flight ticket. He was apprehended while trying to escape. Two other accused were detained near Hoskote during a road check.

Defense lawyers contended that the employees were being unfairly targeted and that the responsibility lay with the organizations, not individuals. They argued that the arrests were influenced by political statements and conducted without proper procedure. The court maintained that regardless of the company’s wealth, individual liberty must be protected, granting bail with strict conditions.