Is RCB Seeking Quashing of FIR Over Stampede Incident?

Bengaluru, June 9 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise has approached the Karnataka High Court with a motion to dismiss the criminal case filed against them in connection with the tragic stampede incident.

This case was initiated by the Cubbon Park Police following the stampede that occurred on June 4, resulting in the loss of 11 lives.

The petition, submitted by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited and its Chief Operating Officer, Rajesh V. Menon, argues that the Congress-led government had sanctioned RCB's victory celebration at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

To support their claim, RCB provided screenshots of a social media post on X from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who encouraged citizens to join in the celebrations, deeming the RCB team's victory as historic. Furthermore, the petition emphasizes that RCB players were invited for the celebration, and the CM extended the invitation to the general public.

The petition argues that the legal actions taken against RCB through an FIR are unlawful and represent an abuse of the legal system.

The FIR alleges that RCB committed an offense by inviting public participation in the event; however, the petition contends that this cannot be construed as a criminal act.

It further points out that CM Siddaramaiah himself had invited the public to attend the event honoring RCB players, asserting that there was no criminal intent, knowledge, or recklessness on RCB's part.

The petition elaborated on RCB's meticulous preparations for the event, which included extensive consultations with DNA Event Management and officials from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

Moreover, the petition noted that police had given verbal assurances for the victory parade and celebrations on June 4. RCB had announced that entry to the stadium was strictly regulated through registration on their official website and the issuance of passes, a measure taken to manage crowd capacity.

However, it was only on the morning of June 4 that RCB received an oral communication from the police regarding the cancellation of the victory parade, even as they were informed that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister had plans to honor RCB players at the Vidhana Soudha.

Following this, the felicitation occurred at Vidhana Soudha, after which RCB was permitted to proceed to the stadium for the victory celebrations, according to the petition.

RCB further stated that they were only made aware of the casualties from the stampede outside the stadium during the celebration, prompting an immediate conclusion to the festivities, as noted in the petition.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has also laid blame on the government for the stampede incident. The High Court had previously granted immunity to KSCA officials, shielding them from aggressive police action.

In the meantime, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is expected to seek custody of Nikhil Sosale, RCB's Marketing Head. His challenge against his arrest is also scheduled to be presented in court today. Other individuals from DNA Event Management, including Sunil Matthew, Kiran, and Sumanth, have also been arrested, and the CID is pursuing custody of these four accused, currently held in Bengaluru Central Prison.

The CID is also likely to interrogate KSCA President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A. Shankar, and Treasurer E.S. Jayaram, who have received relief from the High Court against coercive police actions.

In response to public outcry, the state government has raised the compensation amount from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh and suspended five senior police officials, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner.