Karnataka HC grants interim bail to RCB marketing head and DNA entertainment staff in Chinnaswamy stampede case
Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar orders release of Nikhil Sosale, Sunil Mathew, S. Kiran Kumar and N.P. Shamant Mavinakere on condition they surrender passports, as CID probe into the June 4 tragedy continues
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court today granted interim release to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Marketing Head, Nikhil Sosale, and three employees of DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd: Sunil Mathew, S. Kiran Kumar and N.P. Shamant Mavinakere, who were arrested in connection with the June 4 stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium that left 11 people dead. The bench of Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar allowed their petitions but directed all four to surrender their passports to prevent them from leaving the country.
All four were taken into custody by Bengaluru police shortly after the tragic stampede during RCB’s victory celebration, and have been held at the Central Prison since. The CID, which has since taken over the probe, had sought to keep them in custody for further questioning and possible charges relating to crowd management failures.
Counsel for Sosale and the DNA staff argued the arrests were unlawful and driven by political motives—specifically, allegations that orders came down from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to shift blame onto RCB and its event partners. They claimed proper protocols were followed in planning and running the event, and that their clients simply carried out official instructions.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the government, refuted any political interference, stating arrests followed Supreme Court–mandated procedures and that suspects were given written reasons for their detention. He further contended the four had attempted to flee the state and had used social media posts to draw an uncontrolled crowd, contributing to the deadly stampede.
In response to the AG’s emphasis on RCB’s financial strength, the bench pointed out the franchise’s net worth has no bearing on criminal liability. While noting the seriousness of the allegations, the court found grounds to grant interim relief, subject to standard bail conditions including surrender of passports.
DNA Entertainment and RCB both maintain the June 4 celebration was planned in coordination with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and sanctioned by state authorities. Entry was to be strictly by pre-registration and issued passes, ensuring the venue’s capacity was not exceeded. DNA’s petition also seeks to quash the FIR against the company, arguing the government itself invited and advertised the event.
The High Court’s interim order does not close the case. The CID continues its investigation into crowd-control arrangements and alleged lapses. A full hearing on the petitions to quash the FIR and challenge the arrests is expected in the coming weeks, where both sides will present detailed evidence and legal arguments.