The authorities have arrested four people in relation to the horrific stampede that broke out outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium when the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team celebrated their historic first-ever IPL victory, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives earlier this week.
Among the arrested players is Nikhil Sosale, an executive vice president for marketing of RCB. Sosale was held early on Friday morning at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport as he was traveling to Mumbai, at approximately 6:30 am. Sosale is in charge of planning the franchise's promotional activities and is also the key man between both the players and the management of the team. He also manages RCB's social media handles.
The other three people who were arrested are from the DNA Entertainment Private Limited, the event management firm which was responsible for organizing the celebrations. They are Sunil Mathew, DNA's Vice President, in-charge of IPL events, as well as Kiran and Sumanth.
These arrests come after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against several parties under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday ordered the arrest of representatives from RCB, DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Thursday.
Police authorities disclosed that the arrest was all part of a midnight operation launched by the Central Crime Branch under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Akshay. The arrested ones are to be taken to the Crime Investigation Department for further action.
Two KSCA officials—Treasurer Jayram and Secretary Shankar—are evading arrest, with the police not being able to find them at home despite constant efforts.
The stampede occurred on Wednesday night outside the stadium where a huge crowd had amassed to participate in the RCB victory celebrations. More than 60 individuals were injured in the stampede.
In retaliation, Siddaramaiah has suspended Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and a number of senior police officers for the way they handled the event. A government notification declared that senior IPS officer Seemanth Kumar Singh, who was formerly Additional Director General of Police, Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force, had been transferred immediately to the post of Bengaluru Police Commissioner till further orders.
The developments are happening during a political backlash, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) calling for the two leaders -- Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar -- to resign. The ruling Congress party has charged that the BJP is using the tragedy politically.
The FIR also points out that RCB announced the celebration event on social media without availing the required permits from the authorities.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, visibly emotional, expressed sorrow over the incident, lamenting that Bengaluru’s reputation has been tarnished by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, families of the victims have openly criticized the authorities for their role in the stampede, holding them responsible for the loss and chaos.
