RCB Tragedy Turns Tense: Marketing Head Nikhil Sosale Arrested in Bengaluru Stampede Case

Nikhil Sosale, the Head of Marketing and Revenue for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was arrested by Bengaluru Police on June 6 at Kempegowda International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Mumbai. Sosale’s arrest marks a critical development in the ongoing investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred during the IPL victory celebrations held outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which led to the deaths of 11 individuals and left over 50 injured. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and brought the spotlight squarely on alleged mismanagement and gross negligence in handling a high-profile public event.

The RCB franchise had been celebrating its first-ever Indian Premier League title win, a momentous achievement that was set to be commemorated with a grand victory parade through the streets of Bengaluru. Thousands of fans had gathered to witness their heroes in a victory bus parade, but the situation spiraled out of control due to a lack of proper crowd management. Videos and eyewitness accounts from the scene describe a chaotic environment where fans were crushed against barricades, with little support from authorities or organizers to control the surge.

Sosale, a key official responsible for RCB’s brand and fan engagement strategy, was not only one of the prime architects of the celebration event but also an integral part of the core team that liaised with external vendors and event organizers. His role has come under sharp scrutiny, especially given his extensive experience in managing high-profile events for the franchise. Having worked with RCB since 2012, Sosale has played a pivotal role in the franchise’s transformation into a strong commercial and digital brand, helping grow its massive fanbase across India and abroad.

His arrest shocked many within the sporting and marketing communities, as he had long been considered a leading figure in Indian sports marketing, known for his close ties with prominent players including Virat Kohli.

According to police sources, Sosale’s attempt to fly out of Bengaluru without notifying authorities raised immediate red flags, prompting airport security and local police to intervene. While initial reports suggested he was leaving on a scheduled work trip, investigators were unconvinced, especially as a First Information Report (FIR) had already been lodged against unknown organizers and officials for negligence leading to multiple fatalities. Alongside Sosale, three senior executives from DNA Entertainment Networks—the company contracted to manage the victory parade—were also arrested. This group, according to the police, was directly involved in the operational execution of the event.

The investigation has since expanded, with a special task force set up by the Karnataka government to probe all angles of the tragedy. The initial findings point to serious lapses in planning and safety protocols. The celebration, originally meant to begin with a route through Cubbon Road and other major arteries of the city, did not have adequate permissions or coordination with traffic and security authorities.

Despite warnings about overcrowding, the event allegedly proceeded without adequate emergency response measures, crowd control infrastructure, or even basic public safety announcements. The number of attendees had far exceeded what had been communicated to the police, creating an explosive situation that ended in disaster.

In response to the mounting public pressure, the Karnataka Chief Minister announced the suspension of multiple top-ranking police officials, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, citing failure to assess crowd dynamics and enforce basic control mechanisms.

The government has also pledged compensation to the families of those who lost their lives and committed to covering the medical expenses of the injured. The Chief Minister further stated that this case will be treated with zero tolerance and all those found guilty—regardless of their stature—will be held accountable.

Meanwhile, RCB and Diageo India, the franchise’s parent company, have yet to issue a detailed statement regarding Sosale’s arrest. However, internal sources suggest that an emergency board meeting has been convened to assess the implications and decide on the next steps. The incident has not only cast a shadow over RCB’s historic IPL win but also raised questions about the franchise’s approach to fan engagement, public safety, and accountability.

Stay informed with the latest updates – click here .