A joyous victory for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 turned tragic as a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in 11 people losing their lives and 33 getting injured.
The unfortunate episode occurred on June 4 when passionate fans were attending the celebration event for the RCB team lifting their maiden IPL trophy.
Nearly a month after the tragic incident, BCCI Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra has directed the franchise, along with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), to file written submissions over gross negligence during the team's victory celebrations in Bengaluru.
According to a PTI report, the Ombudsman has granted RCB and KSCA four weeks to respond, following an official complaint filed by IPS officer Vikas Kumar. The news agency has a copy of the Ombudsman's directive in possession.
The complainant has reportedly urged the Ombudsman to bar the current owners from selling the franchise until the investigation into the tragedy is complete.
"Looking at the gravity of the incident, it is considered appropriate that the Karnataka (State) Cricket Association, as well as the concerned franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore be asked to submit their written replied to the complaint," Justice Mishra wrote in his directive.
"This complaint has been filed in relation to the unfortunate stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 04.06.2025. Complaint alleges gross negligence and violation of safety norms by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. Complainant submits that accountability must be fixed. Prayer has been made for the suspension of the RCB franchise and for invalidating ongoing sale negotiations."
Justice (Retired) Mishra in his directive also mentioned that complainant Kumar would get 10 days time to give a rejoinder to the respondents.
"Let the KSCA and RCB file their respective written replies to the complaint within four weeks, with copy to the complainant as well. Showing cause why the reliefs prayed for and specified in rules be not granted. Rejoinder if any may be filed within 10 days thereafter with copy to the respondents."
One of the possible reasons for seeking a written explanation from RCB could be the growing speculation within IPL circles that the franchise is considering a sale, with the current owners allegedly attempting to distance themselves from the recent tragedy.
"Apprehension has been expressed that the franchise may be attempting to distance itself from accountability and possibly offload ownership to avoid potential consequences. In the meantime, status quo be maintained," it stated.
Recently, the Central Administrative Tribunal put the entire blame on RCB, saying that 'appropriate permissions and consent' weren't taken from the police ahead of the ceremony in the city.
The tribunal also empathised with the Bengaluru police officials, who were also blamed for the tragedy earlier, saying they don’t have magic powers to make arrangements managing 5-7 lakh people in about 12 hours.
(With PTI Inputs)
