KSCA requested state approval for RCB’s victory event via DNA Entertainment, a letter shows. The association denies responsibility in the Chinnaswamy stampede tragedy.
Bengaluru: Today, on June 06, in a recent development following the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium that led to the death of 11 people and injuries to 56 others, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the FIR filed against its top officials.
The incident occurred after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 trophy celebrations were announced and hosted in the city.
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A letter dated June 3, 2025, accessed by PTI, reveals that the KSCA had officially sought permission from the Karnataka government for organising the celebrations at the Vidhana Soudha in case RCB won the IPL final.
The letter was addressed to the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR) and showed that the cricket body was acting on behalf of the event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited, which handles RCB’s event logistics.
In the letter, KSCA wrote:
“On behalf of the M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited, KSCA requests to inform that after the TATA IPL 2025 Finals on 3rd June 2025, in case Royal Challengers Bengaluru wins the IPL 2025 title, M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited shall make plans for the felicitation ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps.”
The association further added:
“KSCA requests that M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited shall be permitted to make necessary arrangements at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps.”
Despite the felicitation event at Vidhana Soudha going ahead smoothly, the chaos outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium raised serious questions regarding crowd control and event management.
Large crowds gathered in response to an RCB social media post inviting fans for a victory parade and celebration.
The post was later deleted, but the situation had already spiraled out of control. Due to the overwhelming turnout, the planned parade had to be cancelled.
However, the program inside the stadium still took place, leading to strong backlash and the filing of a police FIR.
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The FIR named KSCA President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A Shankar, and Treasurer E S Jayaram. Following this, the KSCA filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court, arguing that it was not responsible for crowd management and should not be held liable for the unfortunate incident.
In the petition, KSCA maintained:
“There is absolutely no wrong that can be attributed to the Petitioner Committee or its office bearers as they stand aloof of any liabilities against the entire unfortunate incident.”
It explained its limited role in the event, stating:
“IPL events are conducted by RCB through their service provider M/S DNA network private limited and the role of KSCA is very limited as it accommodates by extending the venue and infrastructure.”
It also clarified its function in the permission process:
“KSCA facilitates government permissions. The management of gates is the responsibility of RCB Franchise /DNA who execute under the direction of the police.”
Furthermore, the association alleged that the FIR was lodged under duress, stating:
“The police have registered the FIR under intense pressure and compelling circumstances without any preliminary enquiry by naming the petitioner/members of KSCA as accused.”
Following an urgent hearing, Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar of the Karnataka High Court restrained the police from taking any coercive action against the KSCA office-bearers until the next hearing.
Also Read: CID to Probe Bengaluru Stadium Stampede That Killed 11: Karnataka Govt Tells High Court
The judge also directed the petitioners to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The matter regarding the quashing of the FIR has been scheduled for a further hearing on June 16, 2025.
Separately, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the stampede and has asked the state government to submit a status report. This matter will be heard on June 10, 2025.
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