The Karnataka High Court on June 10 heard a plea by Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), challenging his arrest in the recent stampede incident near Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The stampede occurred on June 4 during preparations for RCB’s 2025 victory celebration.
Sosale was arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in the early hours of June 6. During the hearing of writ petition WP 16371/2025, Sosale argued that he had been wrongfully arrested despite not being named in the First Information Report (FIR) and w
The single-judge bench of Justice SR Krishna Kumar heard the matter and stated, “Heard petitioners and to hear the Advocate General, hearing tomorrow morning.”
Senior advocate Sandesh Chouta, appearing for Sosale, referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Vihan Kumar v. State, stating that "If an arrest is found to be illegal, the person cannot be kept in custody for even a minute."
He also invoked Section 55 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), explaining that any delegation of arrest power must be made in writing. “Even if you give power to someone to arrest, it must be properly documented. In this case, nothing was provided,” Chouta argued.
"CCB notwithstanding being superior to this officer of Cubbon Park did not have power to arrest in view of Sec 55," the court orally observed, to which Chouta agreed.
The Prosecution requested to continue the hearing at 2:30 PM, but the court allowed the petitioner to complete his submissions. Additional State Public Prosecutor (ASPP) B N Jagadeesha informed the court that the Advocate General also intended to address the matter and sought time until 2:30 PM.
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Arguments are presently limited to the organisational structure of the CCB, the court clarified.
Earlier in the day, the State submitted that the CCB had been designated, by notification, as superior in rank to officers in charge of police stations across Bengaluru. The court directed the State to bring this notification on record.
Chouta raised serious concerns about the basis of Sosale’s arrest, questioning the role of the CCB in the investigation.
CCB was formed to handle serious crimes. They are not a police station. Their involvement in this case is unclear,"said Chouta.
He stressed that if the CID is assigned to the case, then the CCB’s authority to arrest is questionable. In response, Jagadeesha assured the court that All developments between June 5 and 6 are being documented and will be submitted.
The court asked about other contentions raised in the plea. Chouta stated, At the time of arrest, no documents were handed over. Arrests took place at 3 AM without proper procedure. Sosale was picked up from the airport.
He also pointed out inconsistencies, saying that "Four persons have been arrested without verifying their individual roles. If the political advisor is removed and police officers are only suspended, then why are others being arrested?"
There is no mention of the accused’s specific role in the case. Even if the crime is serious, there must be grounds for arrest. I am merely a marketing head at RCB. What is the reason for arresting me? Chouta added.
The court asked whether Sosale was named in the FIR, to which Chouta replied in the negative, stating that The FIR only refers to entities, not individuals.
Justice Krishna Kumar observed, So the remand says they are connected with RCB and DNA and therefore arrested? to which Chouta agreed.
Chouta further stressed that the arrests were politically influenced, and questioned how Sosale, not being an employee of DNA Entertainment, was implicated.
He added, The real issue is about 'mens rea'. When there is no intention or knowledge of wrongdoing, how can an arrest be justified?
When asked if Sosale had posted a controversial tweet, Chouta clarified, "The tweet was made by the RCB entity and was part of the government's promotional activity inviting fans to the celebration."
The court acknowledged that a WhatsApp message circulated by the police advised the government not to hold the event, adding another layer of complexity.
Appearing later in the hearing, Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty requested more time to respond.
