The company behind the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL team, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), along with its Chief Operating Officer Rajesh V Menon, has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking the quashing of an FIR registered against them in connection with the stampede that occurred outside the stadium in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025. The tragic incident took place ahead of the victory celebration event organized for RCB’s IPL 2025 win.
In the petition filed before the court, RCSPL submitted that the announcement for the victory parade and trophy celebration was made only after extensive discussions with officials from DNA Networks (the event organiser), Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and the police. RCSPL also stated that it had received oral confirmation from authorities before making the official announcement on RCB’s social media handles.
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“The social media posts by RCB clearly stated that entry to the stadium would be allowed only through registration on the official website and with the issuance of valid passes, considering the limited seating capacity,” the petition explained.
RCSPL further contended that on the morning of June 4, it was orally informed by the police that permission for the proposed victory parade was being withdrawn. Simultaneously, the RCB management was informed that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka were planning a felicitation event for the team at the Vidhana Soudha.
The RCB team was invited to the Vidhana Soudha for felicitation and informed that post the official program, they could proceed to the stadium for the public celebration, the plea added.
The petition also highlighted that the public invitation to attend the celebration was extended not just by RCSPL but also by the Chief Minister himself through a tweet inviting citizens to join in the celebrations. A copy of this tweet was annexed to the petition to substantiate the claim.
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After the event at the Vidhana Soudha, the RCB team proceeded to the stadium. It was during the celebration there that the RCB management was informed about multiple fatalities that had occurred in a stampede outside the stadium. The celebrations were immediately called off upon receiving this information.
Seeking relief, RCSPL submitted that the FIR and the subsequent proceedings were “illegal, contrary to law, and an abuse of process.” The plea emphasized that the FIR does not mention any positive act by the petitioners that could be linked to the tragic incident.
The only act attributed to RCSPL is issuing an invitation to the public to attend the celebration. This act, in itself, cannot amount to a criminal offence, the plea stated.
The plea pointed out that the same act of inviting the public was carried out by the Chief Minister, who used social media to reach out to fans in a similar manner. It also asserted that there was no element of mens rea (criminal intent), which is a necessary component to establish culpability.
The petition further argued that the prosecution appeared to be an attempt to deflect blame from government authorities to private entities. It noted that the FIR was filed even though the entire event was organized by DNA Networks and despite the suspension of certain police officials for alleged dereliction of duty.
“The FIR itself acknowledges that the organization of the event was outsourced to DNA Networks, yet still names RCB as an accused party,” the petition observed.
RCSPL has therefore requested the High Court to quash the FIR and all proceedings against the petitioners. As an interim measure, it also seeks a stay on further legal actions.
Previously, the Karnataka High Court had already granted interim protection to officials from the Karnataka State Cricket Association in relation to the same incident. In addition, RCB’s Marketing and Revenue Head, Nikhil Sosale, has also moved the High Court challenging his arrest in the matter.
