Chinnaswamy Stampede Tragedy: RCB Marketing Head Nikhil Sosale Arrested at Bengaluru Airport

Bengaluru: In a significant development in the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede case, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marketing head Nikhil Sosale was arrested on Friday at Bengaluru Airport while he was reportedly en route to Mumbai. Sosale’s arrest comes amid mounting pressure for accountability following the tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives and left over 30 people injured, including two in critical condition.

According to reports from India Today, Sosale played a central role in coordinating the RCB victory celebrations and had been liaising with DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd., the event management firm hired to organise promotional activities for RCB’s post-season celebrations. His arrest follows the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) on Thursday, naming RCB, DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) as accused in the case.

The FIR, registered at Cubbon Park Police Station, includes five sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 105, which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Police have also detained three staff members of DNA Entertainment for questioning, with further legal proceedings expected.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the widely publicized victory parade, which was supposed to run from Vidhana Soudha to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, was unauthorised. The city police reportedly did not grant necessary permissions for the event. Despite this, large crowds gathered near the stadium in anticipation, leading to overcrowding and the eventual stampede.

Sosale is accused of being directly involved in promoting the parade and coordinating with DNA Entertainment without obtaining formal approval from law enforcement or civic authorities.

The Karnataka state government has confirmed that DNA Entertainment managed the event, while KSCA provided logistical and venue support. The tragedy has triggered widespread political and public outrage, with several political leaders demanding stringent action against those responsible.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to investigate lapses in planning, crowd control, and administrative oversight. The government has promised strict action against all individuals and entities found guilty of negligence.

The incident occurred just days after RCB’s historic IPL 2025 title win, which marked the franchise’s first championship in the tournament’s history. What was meant to be a moment of joy and celebration turned into a tragedy, underscoring the dire consequences of poor event planning and failure to manage large crowds.

As the probe deepens, more arrests and disciplinary actions are likely. The case has once again brought to light the critical need for better coordination between event organisers, civic bodies, and law enforcement, especially in high-stakes public events.