June 7, 2025
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Who is Nikhil Sosale, the top RCB official arrested in the Bengaluru stampede case?

Who is Nikhil Sosale, the top RCB official arrested in the Bengaluru stampede case?

Danijones05 mins

The Bengaluru Police on Friday morning arrested Nikhil Sosale from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management regarding the stampede incident, which happened during the franchise’s maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) win celebrations on Wednesday. The police also arrested Sunil Mathew of the event management company DNA.  All you need to know about Nikhil Sosale, the top RCB official, who has been arrested in the Bengaluru stampede case. (BCCI ) Nikhil Sosale is the head of marketing and revenue for RCB at Diageo India. He was taken into custody by the cops at the Bengaluru when he was reportedly flying out to Mumbai. According to India Today, the police have also detained three staff members of DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd. Speaking about Sosale, he was spotted in every RCB IPL game in the 2025 season. On quite a few occasions, he was seen sitting alongside Virat Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma in the stands.  Sosale has been associated with the franchise since its formative years. According to LinkedIn, he leads the design, strategy, and delivery of the business and marketing charter of the leading brand and commercial program in the IPL.  According to his LinkedIn profile, Sosale is a Double Major in Business from James Cook University. He pursued the degree from 2008 to 2010.  Nikhil Sosale is married to Malvika Nayak, who heads Innoz Technologies Pvt.Ltd’s business development and partnerships department. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have often been spotted hanging out with Nikhil and Malvika. Also Read: RCB show solidarity in fresh statement on stampede tragedy The RCB marketing head has a private Instagram profile with 637 followers. Both Virat and Anushka follow him on the uber-popular platform.  All you need to know about the Bengaluru stampede A stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during RCB’s victory celebrations killed 11 and injured 33 on Wednesday. A day after, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked for the arrests of the officials of RCB, DNA and Karnataka State Cricket Association. The state government also confirmed the suspension of several top police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda.  A one-man judicial commission has also been formed to investigate the case. It is headed by retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice Michael D’Cunha. The commission has been asked to report in 30 days. In addition, the state’s IGP and DGP were asked to immediately arrest the RCB representative, DNA event managers, and the person representing KSCA. RCB won the IPL 2025 title on Tuesday. They ended their trophy drought by winning the tournament after beating the Punjab Kings in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Following this victory, a parade was announced in Bengaluru. The Bengaluru Police initially denied permission for the same. However, at 3 PM in the afternoon, RCB posted on social media that the parade would take place from the Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.  RCB are coping a lot of criticism for continuing the celebrations inside the stadium despite a stampede taking place outside the venue.  On Thursday, RCB announced financial aid for all the 11 families that lost someone from their household in the stampede. The franchise have also created an ‘RCB Cares’ fund to support the 33 others injured. 

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Virat Kohli reacts to stampede outside Chinnaswamy stadium as RCB celebrations go haywire: 'Absolutely gutted'

Virat Kohli reacts to stampede outside Chinnaswamy stadium as RCB celebrations go haywire: ‘Absolutely gutted’

Danijones05 mins

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend Virat Kohli was at a “loss of words” following a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which killed 11 people and injured 33 during the franchise’s Indian Premier League (IPL) victory celebrations on Wednesday. What was supposed to be a special day for the RCB fans in Bengaluru turned into a nightmare as chaos ensued as police officials failed to control a jam-packed crowd. Virat Kohli reacts to the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium(AFP) Virat Kohli shared RCB’s official statement regarding the stampede. In the caption, the right-handed batter said he was “absolutely gutted.”  Owing to the stampede in Bengaluru outside RCB’s home venue, the victory celebrations were cut short. Only RCB captain Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli gave speeches before showcasing the trophy in front of the fully-packed crowd inside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.  “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted,” Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram.   Virat Kohli’s wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, also shared RCB’s official statement. In the post, she used heartbreak emojis.  Also Read: RCB react to Chinnaswamy stampede which killed 11 fans RCB legend AB de Villiers also took to X to share his prayers with those affected in the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. He wrote, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy stadium today.” All you need to know about RCB celebrations The RCB’s celebration started with the franchise visiting the Vidhana Soudha to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Karnataka CM felicitated the IPL 2025 champions. The franchise then made its way to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, before their arrival at the venue, news of a stampede broke out, which killed 11 RCB fans. As the developments about the incident came quick and thin, the celebrations continued inside the ground. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar gave short speeches. The entire RCB team then displayed the IPL trophy in front of the Chinnaswamy, which was packed to the rafters. Hours after the incident, RCB issued an official statement, expressing deep concern over what transpired in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening. The franchise stated, “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us.” “RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” the statement added. RCB had earlier won IPL 2025 after defeating Punjab Kings in the final in Ahmedabad. Kohli had a dream campaign for RCB as he scored more than 600 runs in the latest edition of the T20 tournament.

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RCB react to Chinnaswamy stampede which killed 11 fans: ‘Upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly…’

RCB react to Chinnaswamy stampede which killed 11 fans: ‘Upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly…’

Danijones06 mins

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) issued a joint statement following the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium amid the franchise’s Indian Premier League (IPL) victory celebrations on Wednesday. The incident led to 11 RCB fans losing their lives and 33 getting injured. Both RCB and KSCA expressed deep concern and heartfelt condolence after the stampede marred RCB’s victory celebrations. RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) react to the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. (AFP) RCB were supposed to hold a victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday evening. Throughout the day, there was no clarity on whether the parade would go ahead, as initially, the Bengaluru traffic police denied permission, saying there might be too much chaos.  As soon as RCB reached the Vidhana Soudha to meet the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a stampede was reported outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Thousands had gathered to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title win. However, the police failed to manage the crowd, leading to an unfortunate incident unfolding outside the ground.  Also Read: BCCI shocked but has ‘no role’ in Bengaluru stampede that caused deaths, injuries “RCB – KSCA expresses deep concern and heartfelt condolences regarding the unfortunate incident that occurred during the celebration organised by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier today,” the KSCA stated in its statement.  “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained by individuals during this event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this incident. We sincerely regret this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time,” the statement added.  On the other hand, RCB in their official statement, said that the franchise is deeply anguished by the unfortunate incident outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.  “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us,” RCB stated.  “RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” the statement added.  ‘Compensation not intended to replace the value of human life’ KSCA also announced INR 5 lakh for the families who have lost their loved ones. However, this gesture is not intended to replace the value of human life, the joint statement stated.  “RCB – KSCA announces 5 lakhs to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We hope this gesture can offer some support and solace in their time of grief,” the statement read.  “We want to emphasize that this compensation is not intended to determine or replace the value of human life, but rather to serve as a gesture of support and solidarity during such challenging times. Thank you for your understanding and support,” it added. The victory celebrations inside the Chinnaswamy Stadium lasted for half an hour as Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli gave short speeches, thanking the crowd for their constant support.  The RCB team then took a lap around the ground to celebrate the title win. RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the IPL 2025 final to win their maiden title at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday. 

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