Bengaluru stampede: RCB officials, event management firm taken to custody

Bengaluru: In a coordinated operation, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and Cubbon Park police arrested four individuals, including the Marketing Head of the RCB franchise and two representatives from DNA Entertainment Private Limited, in connection with the deadly stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident resulted in 11 fatalities and left over 50 injured.

The arrests took place on Thursday night following the registration of a suo moto FIR by the Cubbon Park police. The FIR names the RCB franchise, DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Administrative Committee, holding them accountable for the tragic deaths of 11 fans during the stampede that occurred at multiple stadium gates amid celebrations for RCB’s first-ever IPL trophy win, TNIE reported.

Nikhil Sosale, the Marketing Head of the RCB franchise, was taken into custody at Kempegowda International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee. Sunil Mathew and Kiran from DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. were also apprehended at the airport. All three were reportedly planning to travel to Mumbai. The identity of the fourth person arrested has not yet been made public.

Meanwhile, Venkatavardhan, the owner of DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and grandson of former Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah, is currently missing and believed to be on the run.

Police have also conducted searches at the residences of members of the KSCA Administrative Committee, who are also reportedly absconding.