In a shocking turn of events, the celebratory mood surrounding Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title win was marred by a tragic stampede outside the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident, which occurred during a victory parade on Wednesday, claimed 11 lives and left 75 others injured, casting a dark shadow over what should have been a historic moment for the franchise and its fans.
The Bengaluru Police have taken swift action, arresting Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head for RCB at Diageo India, along with three officials from DNA Entertainment Networks on Friday morning. Sosale was apprehended at Bengaluru airport while attempting to board a flight to Mumbai, signaling the seriousness of the ongoing investigation. The other detained individuals have been identified as Sunil Mathew (Director and Vice President), Sumatnth (DNA ticketing official), and Kiran Kumar (Manager) of DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd.
This tragic event unfolded after RCB’s stunning victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, marking the franchise’s first-ever IPL championship title since its inception in 2008. However, the victory parade, initially denied permission by Bengaluru Police due to safety concerns, was announced by RCB on social media at 3 PM, stating it would commence from Vidhana Soudha to M Chinnaswamy Stadium at 5 PM. Critics have slammed the franchise for proceeding with celebrations inside the stadium while chaos erupted outside, leading to the catastrophic stampede.
Who is Nikhil Sosale? Sosale has been a prominent figure in RCB’s journey, associated with the franchise since its formative years. As per his LinkedIn profile, he spearheads the design, strategy, and delivery of RCB’s business and marketing initiatives, playing a pivotal role in shaping the team’s commercial success in the IPL. A graduate with a Double Major in Business from James Cook University (2008-2010), Sosale has been a familiar face at RCB matches during the 2025 season, often spotted alongside Anushka Sharma, wife of RCB’s talismanic batter Virat Kohli, in the stands. His private Instagram account, followed by both Kohli and Sharma, reflects his close ties to the team’s inner circle. Sosale is married to Malvika Nayak, who leads business development and partnerships at Innoz Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
In the wake of the tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered immediate action against officials from RCB, DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The state government has also suspended several senior police officers, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, for lapses in crowd control. A one-man judicial commission, led by retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice Michael D’Cunha, has been tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report within 30 days.
Legal repercussions have followed swiftly. The Cubbon Park police registered a suo-motu case against the RCB franchise, DNA Entertainment, and KSCA’s administrative committee under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges for culpable homicide, voluntarily causing hurt, and endangering public safety. Additionally, a second FIR was lodged based on a complaint by Rolongumes, an injured victim of the stampede, further intensifying scrutiny on the event’s organizers.
In response to the heartbreaking loss, RCB announced financial aid for the families of the 11 deceased victims and established the ‘RCB Cares’ fund to support those injured. While these measures aim to provide relief, questions remain about the accountability of the franchise and event organizers in ensuring public safety during such a high-profile celebration.
As investigations continue, this tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of meticulous planning and stringent safety protocols during large-scale public events. For now, the cricketing world mourns alongside Bengaluru, as the joy of RCB’s long-awaited IPL triumph is overshadowed by an avoidable catastrophe. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge on this developing story.