IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have landed in further trouble after BCCI Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra directed the franchise, along with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), to file written submissions over gross negligence during the team’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru, which led to the death of 11 people. The ombudsman has granted RCB and KSCA four weeks to respond, following an official complaint filed by IPS officer Vikas Kumar.
The ombudsman has also been requested by the complainant to prohibit the present owners from selling the franchise until an investigation into the tragedy is done.
"In view of the seriousness of the incident, it is deemed proper that the Karnataka (State) Cricket Association and the concerned franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore should be directed to file their written replied to the complaint," Justice Mishra mentioned in his order.
Also read: B'luru stampede: CAT quashes IPS Vikash Kumar Vikash’s suspension
"This complaint is being submitted regarding the deplorable stampede that took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 04.06.2025. Complaint makes allegations of gross negligence and safety norms violations against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. Complainant makes the submission that accountability needs to be anchored. Relief has been sought for suspension of the RCB franchise and for rendering the sale negotiations underway as invalid." Justice (Retired) Mishra in his order also stated that complainant Kumar would be provided with 10 days time to furnish a rejoinder to the respondents.
"Let the KSCA and RCB submit their respective written responses to the complaint within four weeks, with copy to the complainant also. Showing cause why reliefs prayed for and enumerated in rules be not granted. Rejoinder if any can be submitted within 10 days thereafter with copy to the respondents." The probable reason for seeking a written explanation from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would be the increasing rumour-mongering in IPL circles about the sale of the franchise, with the present owners purportedly trying to distance themselves from the recent tragedy.
"Concern was raised that the franchise could be trying to create a distance from responsibility and possibly sell ownership to sidestep possible repercussions. Status quo should be maintained in the meanwhile," it said.
Recently, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) also held RCB accountable for the huge crowd gathering that resulted in the death of 11 fans including children and women.
The Tribunal had also suspended the Karnataka government's suspension order against senior IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, who was taken action against after a stampede left some people dead. In response to this, the Karnataka government has approached the High Court challenging the order, quashing the suspension of IPS officer Vikash, over the stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium ahead of the RCB team's 2025 IPL victory celebration.
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