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Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam have stepped down from their respective positions, citing “moral responsibility” for the tragic stampede that took place near M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred prior to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s felicitation ceremony after their maiden IPL title win, led to the loss of 11 lives.
According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the resignations were formally submitted to KSCA president Raghuram Bhat. In parallel, officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) visited the KSCA office, following a directive from the Karnataka state government to launch a CID probe into the tragedy.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: CID officials visited the office of KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association).
The Government of Karnataka has ordered a CID probe into the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede case. pic.twitter.com/SCU7csez6d
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2025
In a communication addressed to KSCA on Friday night, both Shankar and Jairam acknowledged their resignation. As quoted by ESPNCricinfo, they stated, “Due to the unforeseen and unfortunate events that have unfolded in the last two days, and though our role was very limited, but owing moral responsibility, we wish to state that last night we have tendered our resignation to our respective posts as secretary and treasurer of the KSCA.”
Meanwhile, the Bengaluru police filed a first information report (FIR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday, listing the IPL franchise as the primary accused in connection with the incident. According to the police, RCB had not obtained formal permission to host the celebration at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Also named in the FIR were the franchise`s event management partners and the KSCA, which oversees the stadium premises.
On Friday, the situation escalated further as the police confirmed the arrest of Nikhil Sosale, RCB’s head of marketing and revenue. His arrest followed orders from newly appointed police commissioner SK Singh, who assumed office after the chief minister removed his predecessor in the wake of the disaster.
Later that day, KSCA filed a writ petition contesting the FIR, arguing that the charges were a result of political pressure and a `knee-jerk` reaction by law enforcement. In their petition, KSCA contended that the stampede was triggered by an unforeseen surge in crowd numbers, with no deliberate negligence or intent attributable to them. They further asserted that the responsibility for crowd management lay with the franchise, the event organisers, and local police authorities.
RCB has not yet made an official comment on Sosale’s arrest. However, on Thursday, the franchise announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and also committed to covering medical expenses for those injured during the stampede.
(With agency inputs)
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