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?

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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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Bengaluru stampede: 'Sad day for cricket' - Cricket world mourns tragedy during RCB's IPL victory celebrations | Cricket News

Bengaluru stampede: ‘Sad day for cricket’ – Cricket world mourns tragedy during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations | Cricket News

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Fans near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI Photo) What was meant to be a historic celebration turned into a day of mourning as a stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday claimed 11 lives and injured over 30 others. The tragedy unfolded during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) homecoming celebration after their maiden IPL title win, ending an 18-year wait with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final on Tuesday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!As thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their heroes, the sheer volume overwhelmed security arrangements, triggering chaos and ultimately, tragedy.Cricketing legends and current players expressed their shock and grief over the incident. ‘A particularly special feeling’: Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win India’s batting icon Sachin Tendulkar took to X, writing, “What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all.” Former India captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble also shared his condolences: “It’s a sad day for cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB’s victory today. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Tragic!!” Other cricketers including Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuvraj Singh among others also shared their thoughts on the tragedy. Police resorted to mild force to control the situation, but the sheer number of people overwhelmed efforts. What began as jubilation for RCB’s long-awaited title turned into an unforgettable heartbreak for the city and its cricketing faithful.The incident has sparked calls for better crowd control and safety measures during public celebrations.

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'Beyond tragic': Sachin Tendulkar breaks silence on Bengaluru stampede | Cricket News

‘Beyond tragic’: Sachin Tendulkar breaks silence on Bengaluru stampede | Cricket News

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Fans cheer as the bus carrying Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricketers, winners of the Indian Premier League, arrive at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi) Legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has called Bengaluru stampede “beyond tragic.” The stampede claimed 11 lives and left 33 others injured. The incident turned what was a celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic maiden IPL triumph in into a heartbreaking tragedy.“What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all.,” Tendulkar said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 200,000-300,000 people came,” the minister said.He said a victory street parade by the winning team was called off as authorities had anticipated an uncontrollable crowd.“The pain of this tragedy has even erased the joy of victory,” said Siddaramaiah, who has ordered an inquiry in the deaths.“I don’t want to defend the incident, the tragedy… our government is not going to play politics on this,” he added.“This tragedy should not have happened. We are with the victims.”

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RCB victory parade stampede: Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh condole loss of lives

RCB victory parade stampede: Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh condole loss of lives

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India’s legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar and World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh condoled the “tragic” stampede near Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which killed 11 people and injured nearly 50 fans during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) victory celebrations on Wednesday. The incident occurred when thousands of fans gathered near the iconic stadium to catch a glimpse of their favourite players during RCB’s maiden IPL title felicitation event. The celebratory event, which drew over two lakh fans to the Chinnaswamy Stadium—well beyond its 35,000-seat capacity—was cut short to just 20 minutes after organisers were alerted to the chaos unfolding outside. All RCB players and support staff, including head coach Andy Flower and team mentor Dinesh Karthik, were present at the event. Sachin Tendulkar took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief, writing, “What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all.” What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all.— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 4, 2025 Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh offered his condolences, saying, “What was meant to be a moment of celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the incident in #Bengaluru. May the families find strength and the departed souls rest in peace.” What was meant to be a moment of celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the incident in #Bengaluru. May the families find strength and the departed souls rest in peace— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 4, 2025 Former India spinner Anil Kumble mourned the lives lost and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. “It’s a sad day for cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB’s victory today. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Tragic!!” he wrote on X. In a statement, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and said the felicitation event, which featured players and coaching staff, was promptly altered as soon as the franchise was informed about the stampede outside the stadium. “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings across Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of the utmost importance to us,” RCB said in a statement. “RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our programme and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration,” the statement added. Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: Jun 4, 2025

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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’

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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 deletes celebratory video post after internet outrage over Bengaluru stampede | Trending

RCB deletes celebratory video post after internet outrage over Bengaluru stampede | Trending

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Jun 04, 2025 09:35 PM IST RCB deleted a celebratory video shared after a deadly stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 dead, drawing sharp backlash on social media. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced massive backlash on Wednesday after sharing a celebratory video showing their team bus being welcomed by cheering fans — just hours after a stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and left several others injured. The post, captioned “This welcome is what pure love looks like,” triggered widespread criticism online for its perceived insensitivity. Following the outrage, RCB deleted the tweet. RCB faced criticism for posting a video after a stampede killed 11; the tweet was later deleted following massive online outrage.(X) RCB issues statement expressing grief In response to the tragedy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru released an official statement acknowledging the incident and expressing sorrow. “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 read. (Also read: Shocking visuals show RCB fans climbing M Chinnaswamy Stadium walls and fences to witness felicitation event) Leaders express condolences Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “absolutely heartrending.” In a message posted by the PMO on X, he said: “The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery.” Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also shared his grief, writing: “People who were supposed to witness RCB’s IPL victory celebrations. The tragedy and death have brought deep pain and shock. My condolences to the deceased. My condolences to their family. Let there be pride, but not bigger than life. I appeal to everyone to please stay safe.” (Also read: Frenzied fans climb trees, Chinnaswamy Stadium walls to see RCB stars amid stampede. Video) Visuals of chaos circulated before tragedy struck Thousands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters had gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the team’s historic first IPL title win. The felicitation event, organised to honour RCB’s victory over Punjab Kings in Tuesday’s final in Ahmedabad, soon turned chaotic as the massive crowd overwhelmed the venue, leading to a deadly stampede at multiple entry points. Earlier in the day, visuals shared by news agency ANI captured frenzied scenes of fans scaling walls and fences in an attempt to enter the stadium. News / Trending / RCB deletes celebratory video post after internet outrage over Bengaluru stampede See Less

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Watch: Fans climb trees and buses to witness RCB’s IPL victory | Cricket News

Watch: Fans climb trees and buses to witness RCB’s IPL victory | Cricket News

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Bengaluru: An aerial view of fans gathering for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s fan engagement programme (PTI Photo) Bengaluru came alive on Wednesday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) returned home with their first IPL trophy. Thousands of fans filled the streets, stood on rooftops, and gathered around Vidhana Soudha and Chinnaswamy Stadium just to see their favourite players — especially Virat Kohli, who has been part of the team for 18 years. The RCB squad, led by Rajat Patidar, landed in the city around noon. They were welcomed at the airport by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The team then went to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha, where a short ceremony was held to honour their achievement. ‘A particularly special feeling’: Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win “Virat Kohli has given his youth and heart to RCB. Today, he has made Karnataka proud,” Shivakumar said. After meeting the CM, the players got on an open-top bus for a victory parade to Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fans lined up along the route, many waving flags, holding posters, and cheering loudly. Some climbed trees, buses and walls for a better view. It was a special moment for everyone who had supported the team for years.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the final, finally ending their 18-year wait for the title. The celebrations started early in the day and continued into the evening at the stadium, where fans were allowed in to be part of the moment. For RCB and their fans, it was more than just a win as it was the end of a long wait.

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RCB's victory parade turns deadly: How events unfolded at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru | Cricket News

RCB’s victory parade turns deadly: How events unfolded at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Newly-crowned IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru were greeted with a thunderous and emotional reception as passionate fans flooded the streets and gathered in massive numbers at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to catch a glimpse of their heroes—most notably the ever-iconic Virat Kohli. It was yet another major milestone for Kohli, who has remained loyal to RCB since the inception of the league.Wednesday witnessed a mix of jubilation and tragedy. While fans celebrated with euphoric chants and cheers, the excitement unfortunately turned into chaos, with a stampede leaving several injured and claiming lives.TimesofIndia.com takes you through a timeline of how the day unfolded:– The RCB team, led by skipper Rajat Patidar, landed at Bengaluru airport. The players and support staff were welcomed with loud cheers and were formally received by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.– The squad then proceeded to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha. Jubilant fans lined the route, waving flags and raising chants to celebrate the team’s long-awaited IPL triumph.– At Vidhana Soudha, the team was officially felicitated by the state government. The ceremony began with the national anthem and was attended by CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and other key officials. ‘A particularly special feeling’: Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win – Post-felicitation, the players made their way to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for a special fan-engagement event. Thousands had already gathered at the venue in anticipation, eager to celebrate alongside their beloved RCB.– The triumphant RCB squad arrived at Chinnaswamy Stadium to an electrifying atmosphere.– Tragedy struck as reports emerged of a stampede near the stadium gates. Several people were feared dead and many injured as the crowd surged to enter the premises.– Despite the grim development, RCB conducted a victory lap inside the stadium, proudly displaying the hard-earned IPL trophy that had eluded them for 18 seasons.– Addressing the crowd during the felicitation, Virat Kohli shared an emotional message:“I don’t have much time, we need to wrap this up and show you the trophy so please let me talk. I am going to start off by repeating what our captain said after we won the trophy. It’s no more ee sala cup namde, it’s ee sala cup namdu. We have done it, this is not just for the players or someone like me who has been here for 18 years but for all of you, the people of this wonderful city. People who have supported RCB through all these 18 years. The trust and love you have for the team is truly special, I have never seen any fan base anywhere in the world like you. So congratulations to all of you.”

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'Start from zero...': Shubman Gill after Gujarat Titans slump to third loss in a row | Cricket News

‘Start from zero…’: Shubman Gill after Gujarat Titans slump to third loss in a row | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a dominant four-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans for their third consecutive IPL 2024 win on Saturday. This was RCB’s fourth win in 11 matches, which propelled them from last place to seventh, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.Chasing a modest target of 148, Du Plessis (64) and Kohli (42) provided a strong start with a 92-run partnership in 35 balls, securing the win with 6.2 overs to spare at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.Du Plessis’s departure triggered a mini-collapse, as Gujarat struck back with wickets from Joshua Little and Noor Ahmad, leaving RCB at 117-6 when Kohli fell. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik (21) and Swapnil Singh (15) then ensured a smooth finish with an unbroken 35-run stand, guiding the team home without further trouble.Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans’s situation remains precarious, as they suffered their seventh loss in 11 matches.After the defeat, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill rued not having an extra bowling option in the side.“It all depends on the wicket, you see the first couple of overs. You get an idea and you play according to that. I think 170-180 on this wicket would have been a good total,” Gill said.“I think how we batted in the powerplay and how we bowled in the powerplay, that made a difference. We would have an extra bowling option (had we not lost early wickets.) Never easy. It’s important for us to start from zero (in the next game), need to move on,” he said.“Many positives to take from this game, need to make sure we don’t repeat our mistakes. It’s all about winning everything we can from here on,” Gill added.

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'Don't look at the scoreboard and...': Skipper Faf du Plessis explains RCB's batting approach | Cricket News

‘Don’t look at the scoreboard and…’: Skipper Faf du Plessis explains RCB’s batting approach | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s emphatic four-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans marked their third consecutive win in the IPL. Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli spearheaded the successful chase of a modest 148-run target, forming a formidable partnership of 92 runs in just 35 balls.Their commanding performance laid a solid foundation for the team’s triumph, achieved with 6.2 overs to spare at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.However, du Plessis’ departure triggered a brief collapse, with Gujarat Titans striking back with quick wickets. The team found itself in a precarious position at 117-6 following Kohli’s dismissal.Yet, wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, alongside Swapnil Singh, displayed composure and determination, guiding Bangalore to victory with an unbeaten partnership of 35 runs. Their collective effort ensured there was no further drama as they successfully steered the team home.Skipper du Plessis, however, clearly stated that the team’s mantra is to not look at the scoreboard and play the way we want to play.“Been really good the last few games, the way we’ve played with bat and ball. Aggressive with the bat, unbelievable in the field. [Assessment of conditions] There was more bounce in the wicket, we got that information and the bowlers were consistently really good. We dropped a catch but have been really consistent. Something around 180-90 would have been a good score, but we’ve seen the way the game has changed,” Du Plessis said after the match.“Don’t look at the scoreboard and play the way that we want to play. It was a bit nerve-racking, another wicket, another wicket. Probably not the best but you’re trying to be positive, get your NRR up. It makes sense from that point of view but it gets to the point when you need to show a bit of calmness and composure – probably around four down, so some lessons to be learned from that,” Du Plessis added.

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