IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have landed in additional hassle after BCCI Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra directed the franchise, together with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), to file written submissions over gross negligence throughout the group’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru, which led to the demise of 11 folks.
The Ombudsman has granted RCB and KSCA 4 weeks to reply, following an official grievance filed by IPS officer Vikas Kumar.
PTI is in possession of a duplicate of the Ombudsman’s directive.
The complainant has additionally urged the Ombudsman to bar the present homeowners from promoting the franchise till the investigation into the tragedy is full.
“Looking at the gravity of the incident, it is considered appropriate that the Karnataka (State) Cricket Association, as well as the concerned franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore be asked to submit their written replied to the complaint,” Justice Mishra wrote in his directive.
“This complaint has been filed in relation to the unfortunate stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 04.06.2025. Complaint alleges gross negligence and violation of safety norms by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. Complainant submits that accountability must be fixed. Prayer has been made for the suspension of the RCB franchise and for invalidating ongoing sale negotiations.”
Justice (Retired) Mishra in his directive additionally talked about that the complainant Kumar would get 10 days’ time to give a rejoinder to the respondents.
“Let the KSCA and RCB file their respective written replies to the complaint within four weeks, with copy to the complainant as well. Showing cause why the reliefs prayed for and specified in rules be not granted. Rejoinder if any may be filed within 10 days thereafter with copy to the respondents.”
One of the doable causes for looking for a written rationalization from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may very well be the rising hypothesis inside IPL circles that the franchise is contemplating a sale, with the present homeowners allegedly trying to distance themselves from the latest tragedy.
“Apprehension has been expressed that the franchise may be attempting to distance itself from accountability and possibly offload ownership to avoid potential consequences. In the meantime, status quo be maintained,” it said.
Recently, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) additionally deemed RCB liable for the huge crowd gathering that led to the demise of 11 followers together with girls and kids.
The Tribunal had additionally quashed the Karnataka authorities’s suspension order towards senior IPS officer Kumar, who confronted the motion within the wake of a deadly stampede. Kumar had subsequently challenged the choice of the Karnataka State authorities.
