What Led to the Resignation of KSCA Secretary and Treasurer After Chinnaswamy Stampede?

Synopsis
The Karnataka State Cricket Association faces significant upheaval as their secretary and treasurer resign following a deadly stampede during RCB's IPL victory celebration. This shocking incident raises questions about responsibility and accountability in major sporting events. Stay tuned as we uncover the developments surrounding this tragic event.
Key Takeaways
- 11 fatalities were reported due to the stampede during the IPL celebration.
- KSCA secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned citing moral responsibility.
- The Karnataka High Court is overseeing the legal actions stemming from the incident.
- Four individuals were arrested, including RCB’s marketing head.
- The KSCA maintains limited liability regarding the event's management.
Bengaluru, June 7 (NationPress) The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is facing turmoil following the tragic stampede that resulted in 11 fatalities during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL 2025 victory celebration at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium this past week.
On Saturday, KSCA secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned from their positions after the distressing event that transpired on Wednesday. Their resignations come amidst increasing legal scrutiny and public discontent, with both officials citing “moral responsibility” as the reason for their departure.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, they expressed: “This is to inform that due to the unforeseen and unfortunate events that have unfolded in the last two days and though our role was very limited, but owing moral responsibility, we wish to state that last night we have tendered our resignation to our respective posts as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, by way of a letter dated 06.06.2025 to the President of Karnataka State Cricket Association.”
Their resignation follows a series of legal actions. On Friday, a day after KSCA and RCB jointly approached the Karnataka High Court seeking protection concerning FIRs related to the stampede, the court initiated suo motu cognizance of the situation.
Following a briefing from Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, the High Court instructed the state government to provide a status report by June 10. Justice S R Krishna Kumar, who presided over the hearing, granted interim protection from arrest to senior KSCA officials, provided they fully cooperate with the ongoing police inquiry.
On Friday, the Bengaluru city police apprehended four individuals, including RCB’s marketing head, Nikhil Sosale, at Kempegowda International Airport while they were attempting to board a flight. The other three individuals arrested are Sunil Mathew, Sumanth, and Kiran Kumar, all connected with the event management firm DNA Entertainment Private Limited. All four were presented before a magistrate and placed in judicial custody for 14 days.
Sosale’s legal team has contested the arrest, asserting it to be politically motivated and claiming it was executed on the orders of the Chief Minister without proper investigation. However, the court denied interim relief, opting to hear the state’s argument before reaching a conclusion.
Meanwhile, the KSCA, in its petition, clarified its involvement in the event, distancing itself from operational responsibilities. It stated: “The role of the KSCA was limited to the extent of renting out the stadium premises and assisting the organiser in obtaining necessary permissions from the government and civic authorities. The entire responsibility of crowd management, ticketing, entry, security and logistics rested solely with the event organiser (RCB) and law enforcement agencies.”
The next court hearing is scheduled for June 10.