A Bengaluru Sessions Court has ordered senior Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) official Nikhil Sosale and three event managers to remain in judicial custody for 14 days.
The quartet was apprehended in a joint operation by Cubbon Park Police and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) at Kempegowda International Airport in the early hours of June 6. They face investigation over the tragic stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives.
Court Grants Interim Protection To KSCA Leadership
Simultaneously, the Karnataka High Court intervened in related proceedings, granting interim relief to key office-bearers of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). KSCA President Raghu Ram Bhat, Secretary A Shankar, Treasurer E S Jairam, and others had petitioned to quash the FIR lodged against them for alleged culpable homicide and unlawful assembly. The Court’s interim order directed the state police to refrain from any coercive action until the matter returns on June 9.
Challenge To Sosale’s Arrest
Among those contesting pretrial detention is Nikhil Sosale himself, who has separately filed a petition in the High Court. Sosale argues that his arrest was effected “without any material” and even before a preliminary police enquiry could be completed, seeking a declaration that his detention is illegal.
On June 5, Bengaluru Police registered an FIR implicating multiple entities: the RCB franchise, event management firm DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., and the KSCA. Charges span from culpable homicide to illegal assembly. Police allege that inadequate crowd control and lax safety protocols at the stadium gates directly contributed to the deadly crush.
Suspension Of Senior Police Officers
In the aftermath, Karnataka Police took swift administrative action. Multiple IPS officers were suspended on June 6, including Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda, Additional Commissioner Vikash Kumar, Deputy Commissioner (Central) Shekhar H T, Assistant Commissioner Balakrishna, and Cubbon Park Police Inspector Girish A K. The suspensions reflect the state’s resolve to hold senior law enforcement officials accountable for lapses in crowd management.
Political Fallout & Accusations
The incident has rapidly become a flashpoint in Karnataka’s political landscape. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah publicly criticized the BJP for “politicising” the tragedy. Reacting to the BJP’s charge that his Congress-led administration was making the police a “scapegoat,” the Chief Minister defended his government’s actions: “We have taken action against those who were visibly responsible and found to be negligent in their duty. They are doing it for politics. I don’t do politics.”
Next Steps
— Sessions Court: The four accused will remain in CCB custody through June 20; their remand may be reviewed thereafter.
— High Court: The KSCA leaders’ plea to quash the FIR, and Sosale’s challenge to his arrest, are listed for hearing on June 9.
As both criminal and administrative probes continue, the tragic stampede remains under intense legal, political, and public scrutiny. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation to unearth all circumstances that led to the loss of lives and to ensure accountability at every level.
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