Chinnaswamy Stampede: RCB’s Nikhil Sosale granted interim bail with conditions

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year-long wait by winning their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad on June 3. It was a historic night for the franchise and their loyal fans who had supported them for years.

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However, the joy quickly turned into tragedy the next day, June 4, when a stampede occurred in Bengaluru. The incident took place outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where RCB players and staff reached there to celebrate their victory with fans.

Following the incident, several RCB officials were arrested on June 6, including Nikhil Sosale, Kiran Kumar (Senior Event Manager), and Sunil Mathew (Vice President, Business Affairs at DNA Entertainment Network). The Central Crime Branch took Sosale into custody early that morning at the airport.

Later, on June 12, the Karnataka High Court granted interim bail to Sosale with conditions. He has been asked to fully cooperate with the investigation and to surrender his passport to ensure his presence during the legal process. Sosale’s legal team had challenged his arrest in the High Court.

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The FIR filed by the police, which led to the arrests, stated: "Lakhs of people gathered at the stadium for the program and the crowd became uncontrollable due to the confusion of organisers on how to allow the people into the stadium which has a seating capacity of around 35,000."

"The stampede incident and chaos occurred at gate no. 2, 2A, 6, 7, 15, 17, 18, 20, and 21, resulting in the death of 11 people and injuring 56. The gathering of lakhs of people outside the stadium is due to the RCB announcement at their official website about the free entry pass distribution, leading to the incident."

After the incident, the franchise issued a statement that read: “RCB mourn the tragic loss of lives and extend their heartfelt condolences to the affected families. We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration.”

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