Bengaluru Police have arrested Nikhil Sosale, head of marketing and revenue for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in connection with the June 4 stampede that occurred during the team’s IPL victory celebrations. The incident outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 dead and 64 injured.
Sosale, an executive with Diageo India, was taken into custody following pressure from the Karnataka government. Known for his previous role at United Breweries, Sosale has also drawn attention for his social ties to celebrities like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had called for strict action against RCB, event organiser DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). A police FIR filed at Cubbon Park Station invoked charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including voluntarily causing hurt, use of dangerous means, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of public duty.
Police allege RCB failed to seek prior approval before announcing the parade on social media. The post went viral, attracting overwhelming crowds. Formal permission was later denied, but the event proceeded, resulting in chaos and fatalities.
Three DNA staff members have been detained, while key KSCA officials remain untraceable. The state government has also suspended top police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, over public safety lapses.
To probe the incident, a judicial commission led by Justice Michael D’Cunha has been formed. In response, RCB launched the ‘RCB Cares’ fund to support families of the deceased and 33 injured victims.
