RCB stampede case: DNA entertainment distances itself from crowd invitation

The Karnataka High Court on Monday heard a petition filed by DNA Entertainment Networks, one of the organisers of the RCB victory event that ended in a fatal stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, killing 11 people. The company sought to quash the FIR filed against it, maintaining it had no role in inviting the public to the event.

Also Read: Congress high command summons K’taka CM Siddaramaiah over Bengaluru stampede

Representing DNA, Senior Advocate CV Nagesh argued that the crowd turnout was driven by the Chief Minister’s public appeal and not any direct communication from the firm. The High Court reviewed the FIR, which names DNA, IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) as accused. The judge directed the state to distinguish the specific allegations against each party.

The state’s Advocate General pointed to social media posts as a factor that triggered mass turnout. However, the court expressed doubts about the applicability of certain charges, especially unlawful assembly and culpable homicide, as cited by DNA’s legal team.

The FIR reportedly mentions only limited involvement by RCB, primarily around the distribution of free passes. Meanwhile, RCB’s marketing head Nikhil Sosale, along with three others from DNA, has already been arrested.

Four petitions related to the incident were heard, with further proceedings set for June 10 and 11, including Sosale’s plea for interim relief.