RCB Seeks Legal Relief Over Stampede Incident at Chinnaswamy Stadium

RCB Takes Legal Action Against FIR

Bengaluru: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has approached the Karnataka High Court to dismiss the FIR proceedings against them, attributing the responsibility for the tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of 11 fans at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 to the Siddaramaiah-led state government. The petition was submitted by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which oversees the RCB IPL team, along with its Chief Operating Officer, Rajesh V Menon.

Details of the Petition

In their petition, RCB highlighted that they had announced a victory parade and trophy celebration on social media after thorough discussions with officials from DNA Networks, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and the police, along with verbal confirmations received by RCSPL. RCB made it clear on their social media platforms that only individuals who registered on their official website and obtained official passes would be permitted entry into the stadium. This measure was necessary due to the stadium's limited seating capacity, aimed at preventing overcrowding.

Accusations Against the Karnataka Government

The petition further claims that RCB officials were verbally informed that the victory parade could not take place on the morning of the incident. This coincided with the announcement that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were organizing a felicitation ceremony at Vidhana Soudha. RCB officials were told they could proceed to Chinnaswamy Stadium for celebrations after this ceremony. Notably, the felicitation event was open to the general public, indicating that the state government played a crucial role in attracting large crowds, thereby sharing responsibility for the unfortunate incident. RCB referenced a tweet from the Chief Minister inviting "all citizens to join in the celebration of this historic victory."

RCB's Defense and Concerns

RCB contends that the case appears to be an attempt to deflect blame onto private entities and individuals linked to them. The petition raises questions about why RCB was named as an accused in the FIR when the organization of the felicitation event was managed by an external agency, DNA Networks. "Despite an ongoing official inquiry into the incident and the suspension of police officials for negligence, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate arrest of RCB executives," the petition asserts.

Recent Developments

Recently, the Karnataka High Court granted interim protection to officials of the Karnataka State Cricket Association in a similar case. Additionally, Nikhil Sosale, the Marketing and Revenue Head of RCB, has also filed a petition with the High Court challenging his arrest in connection with the case.