RCB’s difficulty increases, selling franchises may be banned, written reply will have to be given in Bengaluru stampede case

New Delhi. IPL 2025 champion Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is increasing difficulty. BCCI Lokpal Justice (Retired) Arun Mishra has directed RCB and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to file a written reply in the case of negligence during the Victory Parade. During the RCB’s Victory Parade, 11 people died in a stampede.

IPS officer Vikas Kumar has filed an official complaint in this case. After this, the Lokpal has given four weeks to RCB and KSCA to respond. The complainant has also urged the Lokpal that until the investigation of the tragedy is completed, the existing owners should be stopped from selling the franchise.

Justice Mishra wrote in his instruction, ‘Given the seriousness of the incident, it is considered appropriate that Karnataka Cricket Association and RCB be asked to give their written reply on the complaint.’ He said, ‘This complaint has been lodged in connection with the unfortunate stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on 4 June 2025. In the complaint, RCB has been accused of gross negligence and violation of security norms. The complainant has said that accountability should be fixed. Prayers have been prayed to suspend RCB and invalidate the ongoing conversation to sell it.

Justice Mishra also said in his instruction, ‘KSCA and RCB should file their written reply on the complaint within four weeks. Also, a copy should be given to the complainant. If necessary, a counter affidavit can be filed to the defendant within 10 days with per per.

One of the potential reasons for seeking written explanation from RCB may be that there are speculation that the sale of franchisees is under consideration, causing the current owners to allegedly try to remove themselves from the recent tragedy.

Recently, the Central Administrative Tribunal also considered RCB responsible for the huge crowd, killing 11 fans including women and children. The tribunal also quashed the suspension order of the Karnataka government against senior IPS officer Vikas Kumar, which faced action after the stampede. Vikas Kumar later challenged the decision of the Karnataka government.