• Source:JND
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Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede: The Karnataka High Court on Friday restrained the police from taking any coercive action against the officials of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), granting interim protection from arrest to key office bearers of the state cricket body, which has been embroiled in a major controversy since the June 4 stampede outside M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru, which left 11 people dead and 56 others injured.

Justice SR Krishna Kumar of the Karnataka High Court, who heard the petition seeking to quash the FIR against the KSCA office-bearers, also directed the petitioners to cooperate with the ongoing investigation fully. The court listed the matter for further hearing on June 16.

"No precipitative action shall be taken against the management of the Karnataka State Cricket Association till the next date of hearing, subject to the condition that they cooperate with the investigation," the bench ordered.

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Senior advocates Ashok Haranahalli and Shyam Sundar, representing KSCA officials, raked up the arrest of RCB Marketing and Revenue head, Nikhil Sosale, and said that the police action on Friday morning "indicated a targeted approach."

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, appearing for the state, however, argued that Sosale had been apprehended at the airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Dubai. The AG further clarified that the police had no immediate plans to arrest anyone and sought permission for the investigation to continue.

KSCA President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A Shankar, Treasurer ES Jayaram, and the association's management had approached the high court seeking uashing of the FIR. The plea argued that the FIR naming them was a "knee-jerk" reaction by the police under pressure from the state government, which was facing public criticism and media scrutiny after the incident.

"There is absolutely no wrong that can be attributed to the petitioner committee or its office bearers. Despite having shown gratitude by offering compensation independently, the KSCA and its members have been subjected to undue hardship," the petition stated.

It also noted that the petitioners are professionals of high standing, including chartered accountants and designated senior advocates, and alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's public remarks calling for arrests had influenced police action. Meanwhile, a related petition filed by Nikhil Sosale and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was also heard on Friday. However, the court adjourned the matter to Monday without passing any orders.

The stampede occurred during celebrations marking RCB's maiden IPL title win, when a massive crowd gathered outside the stadium following announcements of free public entry. The chaos at the gates resulted in a deadly rush.

ALSO READ: Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede: Who Is Nikhil Sosale? RCB Official Arrested Post IPL-Win Celebration 'Fiasco'

In the aftermath, a case was registered at Cubbon Park Police Station, and the state government appointed a one-member inquiry commission led by retired High Court judge Justice John Michael D'Cunha to conduct an enquiry into the tragedy. The High Court has also taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and has asked the state to file a status report. That matter will be heard on June 10.


(With Agency Inputs)