Court Grants Relief to RCB Executive in Tragic Stampede Case
The Karnataka High Court has provided significant relief to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's marketing head, Nikhil Sosale, by relaxing the travel restrictions imposed on him as part of his bail conditions in the devastating stampede case. The tragic incident occurred outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium in June this year, claiming eleven lives amid celebrations following RCB's historic first IPL championship victory.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
During Wednesday's hearing before Justice Mohammad Nawaz, the court considered arguments from Sosale's legal representative, senior advocate Sandesh Chouta. The counsel emphasized that similar travel restrictions had already been lifted for other parties involved in the case, including members of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and representatives from event management company DNA Entertainment.
Chouta further argued that Nikhil Sosale's professional responsibilities with Royal Challengers Bengaluru necessitate frequent travel across the country. The court acknowledged these practical considerations while maintaining judicial oversight of the case.
This development follows Sosale's initial arrest on June 5, based on three FIRs registered in connection with the stampede. He secured interim bail on June 12 from a bench led by Justice S R Krishna Kumar, with specific conditions including:
- Prohibition from leaving Bengaluru without court permission
- Furnishing a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh
- Surrendering his passport to the trial court
Court's Modified Order and Previous Precedents
Justice Nawaz's ruling permits Sosale to travel outside Bengaluru, subject to specific protocols. The modified conditions require the RCB executive to inform the Investigating Officer before departing the city and immediately upon his return. However, the court maintained the condition regarding the deposited passport, which remains with the trial court.
This isn't the first time the court has granted Sosale travel permissions. In August, Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum's bench had allowed him to travel to Mumbai for four days to attend a family function of a close friend. The court had then stated: "This Court is of the considered view that the petitioner is entitled to travel for the limited duration indicated. However, the petitioner shall ensure that he intimates the Investigating Officer before leaving the city and shall also forthwith intimate his return."
The legal proceedings continue to unfold as investigators examine the circumstances that led to the tragic stampede that marred what should have been a celebratory moment for Bengaluru's cricket fans.
