Bengaluru: In a dramatic development following the tragic stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marketing head Nikhil Sosale was arrested on Friday by Bengaluru police. The arrest is part of an investigation into the fatal incident that unfolded during RCB’s IPL victory celebration on 4 June.

Sosale, who also serves as head of marketing and revenue at Diageo India, was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport while allegedly trying to fly to Mumbai.

Arrests made after CM’s orders

The arrest follows a directive from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who called for the detention of representatives from RCB, the event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

Soon after the chief minister’s order, Bengaluru police filed an FIR under multiple serious charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, citing lapses in event planning and crowd control.

Three staffers from DNA Entertainment — identified as Kiran, Sumanth, and Sunil Mathew — were also detained for questioning.

Charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

The FIR was filed based on a complaint by a police inspector at Cubbon Park police station. The charges include:

  • Section 115: Voluntarily causing hurt

  • Section 118: Causing grievous hurt using dangerous means

  • Section 121: Hurting to deter a public servant from duty

  • Section 190: Unlawful assembly

    • The charges fall under the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s updated criminal code.

    What led to the stampede?

    The stampede occurred outside the stadium on Wednesday evening when a massive crowd gathered for the RCB victory celebration — the franchise’s first-ever IPL title win. Despite prior warnings, organisers reportedly failed to ensure proper crowd management or ticketing controls, resulting in chaotic scenes and the deaths of 11 individuals.

    The incident has drawn widespread criticism and prompted swift political and legal responses. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and several other officials have been suspended for alleged lapses in public safety.

    Investigation continues

    Authorities are now scrutinising the role of each organisation involved in hosting the celebration. With arrests made at both the franchise and event management level, the case is likely to have far-reaching implications for future public events in the city.

    Further investigation is underway to determine accountability and whether there was criminal negligence in handling the scale and safety of the event.

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