In a tragic turn of events, Bengaluru police have arrested four individuals, including Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), following a deadly stampede that occurred during the team’s IPL victory celebration at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident, which took place on Wednesday evening, resulted in the deaths of 11 people and left over 60 injured.
Sosale was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Mumbai. The other three arrested individuals are associated with DNA Entertainment Networks, the event management company responsible for organizing the celebration.
The arrests were made under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced the suspension of Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayanand and other senior officials for their roles in the mishandling of the event.
The stampede occurred when a massive crowd, drawn by the announcement of free passes for the celebration, gathered outside the stadium. The situation escalated as fans without passes attempted to force entry, leading to a fatal crush.
In response to the tragedy, RCB has pledged ₹10 lakh in compensation to each bereaved family and announced the establishment of the ‘RCB Cares’ fund to support the victims and their families.
This incident marks the first fan-fatal stampede at an Indian sporting event in 45 years, prompting widespread criticism and calls for stricter safety measures at large-scale public gatherings.
