The Crime Branch and Bengaluru Police detained four individuals at Kempegowda International Airport on 6 June, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Head of Marketing and Revenue, Nikhil Sosale, as they attempted to flee in connection with the deadly stampede on 4 June that claimed 11 lives, sources in the Bengaluru police department confirmed.
The swift operation also led to the arrest of Sunil Mathew from DNA Entertainment Private Limited, the event management firm involved, according to media reports. The identities of the other two suspects have not yet been disclosed. All four were attempting to board flights when apprehended, sources said.
The arrests follow the tragic events of the evening of 4 June outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where eleven people died and over 50 others sustained injuries as thousands of RCB fans gathered to celebrate the team’s maiden IPL title victory. The stampede occurred around 4pm near Gate 3, when more than 15 people fell amid a crowd surge.
Among the deceased was 14-year-old Devyamshi from Kanur, who had come with her mother, younger sister, and other family members to witness the celebrations.
“Nothing happened to the others, but I lost my granddaughter,” the girl’s grandmother said at Bowring Hospital, where the bodies of five victims were kept in the mortuary.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association had organised a felicitation ceremony inside the stadium following RCB’s return from Ahmedabad, where they defeated Punjab Kings in the final. However, the massive turnout of fans, many of whom did not have entry passes, led to chaos at multiple entry points.
Eyewitness Inayath, from Lingarajapuram, described the scene: “It was near Gate 3, which was partially opened, and everyone started rushing into the stadium. Some who didn’t have passes also tried to enter, and in the chaos, people fell to the ground. There was nobody to control the crowd or help.”
Police repeatedly appealed to the crowd to maintain order and disperse, resorting to lathi-charges at several points to manage the volatile situation.
The injured were rushed to Bowring Hospital, Lady Curzon Hospital, and Vydehi Hospital. Most were discharged by 6 June, with only six people remaining under treatment, according to doctors.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the suspension of Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda and all officials responsible for the stadium’s jurisdiction, pending an inquiry. He also ordered a judicial investigation led by former Karnataka High Court judge Michael D’Cunha.
Cubbon Park Police registered an FIR on 5 June against the RCB franchise, DNA Entertainment Private Limited (the event management company), and the Karnataka State Cricket Association, charging them with “culpable homicide and other serious offences”.
The celebrations had begun earlier with a felicitation programme at Vidhana Soudha, attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Confusion arose when the victory parade remained unconfirmed until the last minute and stadium entry required mandatory passes.
The city-wide celebration extended to Bengaluru Metro, which experienced unprecedented footfall, according to reports. Trains on the Purple Line were packed beyond capacity, forcing authorities to make repeated announcements urging passengers not to board overcrowded trains.
The Karnataka High Court took suo motu cognisance of the incident on 5 June, directing the state government to file a detailed status report by 10 June, court sources said.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed his shock in a statement: “What was meant to be a celebration of RCB’s IPL victory has turned into a tragedy, bringing deep sorrow and shock. Let there be love for the team, but nothing is more valuable than life.”
