Today, On 6th June, RCB marketing head Nikhil Sosale has approached the Karnataka High Court, claiming his arrest over the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede was illegal, arbitrary, and a clear violation of his fundamental rights under the Constitution.
Bengaluru: Nikhil Sosale, the Marketing and Revenue head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has approached the Karnataka High Court to contest his arrest related to the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
A tragic stampede, On June 4, occurred outside the stadium, resulting in 11 deaths and 56 injuries when a large crowd gathered to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricket team’s victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Also Read: CID to Probe Bengaluru Stadium Stampede That Killed 11: Karnataka Govt Tells High Court
He argued that the arrest was illegal, arbitrary, and not in line with the law. He asserted that he was taken into custody without any evidence and even before the police had performed a preliminary inquiry. Consequently, he has requested a declaration that his arrest is illegal.
Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) had organized a victory parade outside the stadium to commemorate RCB’s first win in 18 years, with plans for the team to meet fans on Wednesday.
However, when it was reportedly announced that free entry would be allowed, large crowds flocked to the stadium gates, leading to the stampede and the unfortunate loss of life.
In response, the Karnataka government has established a one-member commission led by retired Karnataka High Court Justice John Michael Cunha to investigate the incident.
Cubbon Park Police Station filed a first information report (FIR) against RCSPL and its officials, including Sosale.
Sosale was arrested in the early hours of June 6 at Kempegowda International Airport and taken into police custody.
He has since approached the Karnataka High Court, arguing that his arrest was illegal, arbitrary, and a violation of his fundamental rights.
Sosale contends that the arrest was made solely based on the Chief Minister’s directive, even before the police conducted a preliminary inquiry. He claims this action infringes upon his right to freedom under Article 19 and violates principles of natural justice.
Sosale’s petition states,
“It is clear from the timing of the Petitioner’s arrest, which is evidently the result of an oral directive of the Hon’ble Chief Minister to arrest various RCB officials that too, in the absence of any investigation whatsoever that the Petitioner’s arrest is motivated and an attempt to shift the blame of the tragedy to RCSPL and its officials,”
He is requesting the Court to declare his arrest illegal and to order his release from custody.
Additionally, the Karnataka High Court has initiated a suo motu case regarding the incident and has requested a status report from the State.
This case is scheduled for a hearing on June 10, Tuesday.
Earlier, The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) petitioned the High Court for an urgent hearing regarding the First Information Report (FIR) filed against it in connection with the recent stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory celebrations earlier this week.