Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jun 6: In a major development following the tragic stampede at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory celebration, police arrested two key organisers at Kempegowda International Airport on Friday. Nikhil Sosale, marketing head of RCB, and Sunil Mathew from the event management firm DNA were taken into custody, along with two others linked to the incident.
The arrests come in the wake of FIRs registered against RCB, DNA, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) over poor planning and safety lapses. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier directed police to take swift action and arrest responsible parties. KSCA officials remain untraceable, according to police sources.
The crackdown began shortly after senior IPS officer Seemant Kumar Singh assumed charge as Bengaluru’s new police commissioner, replacing B Dayananda, who, along with four other senior officers, was suspended over negligence.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday, June 4, following a last-minute cancellation of RCB’s open-bus victory parade. While the event was abruptly called off just before noon, thousands had already gathered along the planned route and outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, hoping to catch a glimpse of the team.
Chaos escalated after Gate 3 of the stadium was partially opened around 4 pm. A sudden surge of pass-holders and onlookers without tickets led to a stampede, injuring dozens.
To manage crowd overflow, metro stations near the stadium were temporarily bypassed. Despite efforts, the massive turnout—estimated at over 50,000 within a one-kilometre stretch—overwhelmed security arrangements.
Following the incident, the state government suspended Bengaluru’s top police officials including additional commissioner Vikash Kumar Vikash, DCP (central) Shekhar HT, ACP C Balakrishna, and Cubbon Park police inspector Girish A K.
Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has assured swift action. “I will coordinate with my officers and ensure accountability. Public safety is our utmost priority,” he stated.
The investigation is ongoing as police continue to identify lapses in coordination and crowd control that led to the disaster.