RCB Fans Stampede Case: No Relief To Bengaluru Team Official, Karnataka HC Reserves Order Till June 11

The Karnataka High Court has withheld interim relief for Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), following a tragic stadium stampede on June 4 that resulted in 11 fatalities. The court has postponed its decision on his petition until June 11. Sosale was apprehended by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) at Kempegowda International Airport on June 6, just as he was about to depart for Dubai.

Sosale's legal team has contested the legality of his arrest, arguing that it was influenced by political motives. Senior Advocate S Chouta, representing Sosale, presented this argument before Justice S R Krishna Kumar. Chouta contended that the arrest was procedurally incorrect since the investigation had already been transferred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID).

Legal Arguments and Procedural Concerns

Chouta further argued that even if the CCB had the authority to arrest Sosale, it should have been documented and communicated at the time of arrest. He cited Section 55 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to support his argument. The advocate questioned how the CCB could intervene when the case had already been handed over to another department.

Justice Krishna Kumar sought clarification regarding the notification that transferred the case to CID. He expressed concern over CCB's unexpected involvement in the investigation. "The problem is, CCB suddenly comes in. All the public knows is that the investigation was handed to CID. Then in the morning, CCB arrests Sosale. What happened in between?" he asked during proceedings.

Timeline and Arrests Under Scrutiny

Chouta highlighted inconsistencies in the timeline of events leading up to Sosale's arrest. He pointed out that both a freelancer and Sosale were detained early on June 6, followed by suspensions of five police officials. Chouta questioned what legal process allowed CCB's intervention at this stage.