RCB begs Karnataka High Court to dismiss criminal charges in Bengaluru stampede case

Royal Challengers Sports Limited (RCSL), the owner of IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has moved the Karnataka High Court to quash criminal charges regarding the tragic stampede, as per a News18 report. The event management company DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd has also approached the court.

On June 4, a public celebration for RCB’s first IPL title turned tragic when a stampede took place outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. A large crowd had gathered to celebrate the win, but 11 people died and many more were injured. In response, an FIR was filed against RCB and DNA Entertainment Networks.

FIR Registered Against RCB, KSCA Officials Over Bengaluru Stampede Tragedy

The Bengaluru police stated that officers had been stationed around the stadium until 5:30 am on June 4, following RCB’s IPL final victory. Police said that they had denied permission for the celebration event to go ahead.

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“Despite this, KSCA, RCB, and DNA proceeded with the event, ignoring police instructions," the FIR said.

“Without any official permission, on June 4, RCB announced their celebration and victory parade on their social media and website, inviting fans to join. Once this news spread on TV channels and social media, we (Police) informed our senior officers and requested security and necessary arrangements."

RCB Moves Karnataka HC to Quash Criminal Case

The investigation has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). RCB’s marketing and revenue head, Nikhil Sosale, has been placed in judicial custody. The Karnataka High Court has barred the police from taking action against Karnataka State Cricket Association officials.

RCSL has moved to the High Court to quash the criminal charges against it, claiming it has been wrongly accused. The company stated that it had clearly communicated on social media that entry to the celebration event required prior registration, even though passes were free.

DNA Entertainment Networks also stated that the stampede occurred due to insufficient police presence outside the stadium, as forces were reportedly concentrated near Vidhana Soudha.

In its submission, RCSL alleged that a delay in opening the gates—from the scheduled time of 1:45 PM to around 3:00 PM—caused a large crowd to gather all at once.

RCB Ended 18-Year Wait With Thrilling Win Over Punjab Kings

RCB ended their 18-year wait for an Indian Premier League title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the 2025 final held in Ahmedabad on June 3. This win marked their first-ever IPL championship, having fallen short in their previous final appearances in 2009, 2011, and 2016.

RCB posted a total of 190 for 9, with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a 43 off 35 balls. In response, Punjab Kings fell short despite a strong fight. Krunal Pandya starred with the ball, delivering a match-winning spell of 2 for 17 in four overs, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Also read: BCCI shakes up entire India’s international home season with sudden venue changes