RCB employee Nikhil Sosale granted bail after Stampede Case; Passport Seized

The Karnataka High Court has granted interim bail to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) marketing head, Nikhil Sosale, in connection with the stampede that occurred during the team’s IPL 2025 victory celebration. Sosale was among those arrested over the incident and the bail provides temporary relief.

RCB clinched their maiden IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2025 final on June 3. The team planned a celebratory roadshow in Bengaluru, but the government called it off due to inadequate security arrangements. However, a large crowd gathered outside the stadium, leading to 11 deaths.

Several individuals, including officials from Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the event management company, were arrested in connection with the incident.

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Karnataka High Court Orders Release of RCB’s Nikhil Sosale and Others on Bail

Nikhil Sosale was arrested on June 6 alongside Kiran Kumar, Senior Event Manager, and Sunil Mathew, Vice President, Business Affairs at DNA Entertainment Network, following the tragic stampede in Bengaluru. Sosale was taken into custody by the Central Crime Branch at the airport early that morning.

His legal team challenged the arrest in the Karnataka High Court. The court postponed the hearing to the following week and eventually reviewed arguments from both sides over multiple sessions.

On June 12, the High Court granted interim bail to Sosale with conditions. He must fully cooperate with the investigation and surrender his passport to ensure his availability during the legal process.

KSCA Treasurer and Secretary Resign from Their Positions

Earlier, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Treasurer and Secretary resigned from their positions. The Karnataka High Court granted interim protection to key KSCA officials — President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A Shankar, and Treasurer ES Jairam.

The FIR filed by the police which led to the arrests read: "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."

RCB Ended 18-Year Wait for IPL Title

Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 18-year title drought by winning their maiden IPL trophy in the 2025 season. The team delivered a consistent performance throughout the tournament, finishing second in the league stage with nine wins and 19 points from 14 matches.

They continued their dominance in the playoffs, defeating Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 to book a direct spot in the final. In the title clash, RCB posted 190/9 in 20 overs. Their bowlers then held their nerve, restricting Punjab Kings to 184/7 and sealing a six-run win.

RCB had previously lost finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016. While their celebratory roadshow later turned tragic due to a stampede, the team’s on-field success remains a historic moment for the franchise and its fans.

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