Pontiffs file complaint against RCB and KSCA with Enforcement Directorate

The tragic stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed the lives of 11 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans continues to spark outrage and legal action. As the investigation deepens, the Supreme Council of Ascetics has filed a formal complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against the RCB management and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), accusing them of financial irregularities and negligence.

The pontiffs allege that KSCA has accepted money in exchange for positions and rankings, misused public funds, and failed to maintain transparency in financial dealings. They claim crores have been spent by RCB on image-building and commercial interests without adequate scrutiny. Alleged irregularities also involve unaccounted grants from the state government and the BCCI, prompting calls for a comprehensive ED probe.

In addition to financial charges, the pontiffs have filed a police complaint at Kabban Park Police Station, naming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, and RCB’s administrative board. They hold these individuals accountable for the gross negligence that led to the deaths during the ticket distribution event.

Meanwhile, RCB COO Rajesh Menon, Nikhil Sosale, and DNA Event Management officials—Sunil Mathew, Kiran Kumar, and Shamant Mavinakere—have approached the Karnataka High Court. In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), they have requested that cases against them be quashed, arguing that the state government was involved in organizing the event. They cite public statements by the CM and Deputy CM to support their claim that the administration shares responsibility.

The incident has not only shaken cricket fans but has also raised serious concerns about event safety, administrative accountability, and financial mismanagement in high-profile sports organizations.