Karnataka State Cricket Association Officials Resign After Bengaluru Stampede Incident

Resignation of KSCA Officials

In the wake of a tragic stampede in Bengaluru, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has faced significant backlash. Reports indicate that A. Shankar and E.S. Jairam have resigned from their positions as KSCA secretary and treasurer, respectively. Their resignations come as they acknowledge their moral responsibility for the chaos that occurred during the Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL victory celebration, which sadly resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals.

KSCA's Communication with the Government

In a letter sent to the government, KSCA clarified that if the Royal Challengers Bangalore had won the IPL 2025 final on June 3, DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd. was tasked with organizing the celebration at the Grand Steps of Vidhana Soudha. KSCA requested that DNA Entertainment manage all necessary arrangements for the event at the designated location.

Legal Developments and FIRs

The KSCA has asserted in the High Court that its officials should not be held accountable for the incident. The association stated in its petition that the IPL events are managed by RCB in collaboration with DNA Entertainment Networks, and KSCA's role is limited to providing the venue and facilities. They claim that the FIRs filed against their members were initiated by the police without proper investigation.

High Court's Temporary Relief

The Karnataka High Court, led by Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar, has granted temporary relief to KSCA officials by halting any punitive actions against them for the time being. The court has instructed them to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. A subsequent hearing regarding the FIRs is scheduled for June 16, and the court has taken notice of the incident, requesting the government to submit a status report for review on June 10.