Bengaluru Stampede Case: RCB Marketing Chief Nabbed at Airport, Probe Intensifies

National News: Bengaluru Police made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the tragic stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 people and injured over 30 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 victory celebrations on June 4. Nikhil Sosale, RCB’s head of marketing and revenue, was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Mumbai. Alongside Sosale, three staff members of DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd., the event management firm responsible for organizing the celebrations, were detained.

Bengaluru Stampede Case

The arrests, prompted by an FIR filed against RCB, DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), mark the beginning of a deepened probe into the organizational failures that turned a moment of triumph into a devastating tragedy. As the investigation intensifies, Bengaluru grapples with questions of accountability and public safety.

Arrests Signal Accountability

The arrest of Nikhil Sosale, a key figure in RCB’s management, underscores the gravity of the stampede’s aftermath. Sosale, who coordinated promotional activities for the victory event, was apprehended at the airport in a dramatic move by the Cubbon Park Police, who acted on intelligence that he was attempting to leave the city. The FIR, registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, names RCB, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment as accused, citing negligence in crowd management. Three DNA Entertainment staff—Kiran, Sumanth, and Sunil Mathew—were also detained for questioning, as their roles in event planning are under scrutiny.

RCB Marketing Head Arrested

The stampede occurred when thousands of fans surged toward the stadium gates, hoping to join the celebrations for RCB’s first IPL title in 18 years. Inadequate security, poor crowd control measures, and lack of coordination between organizers and authorities led to the catastrophic crush. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has responded decisively, suspending senior police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, and ordering arrests of key representatives from the implicated organizations.

Broader Implications and Reforms

The Bengaluru stampede has exposed systemic flaws in managing large-scale public events, particularly those involving passionate fanbases. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a landmark of Indian cricket, was ill-equipped to handle the overwhelming crowd, raising questions about the preparedness of sports franchises and civic authorities. The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognizance, directing the state to submit a status report by June 10, while a magisterial inquiry led by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha is underway. These parallel investigations aim to identify lapses and recommend measures to prevent future tragedies.