KSCA’s letter revealed

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has revealed in a letter that it helped secure government permission for RCB’s IPL trophy celebrations at the Vidhan Soudha, while distancing itself from the deadly stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that proved fatal to 11 lives and left 56 injured.

KSCA’s role revealed through official Letter

According to a letter accessed by PTI, the KSCA wrote to the Karnataka government on June 3, seeking approval for the felicitation event at the Vidhan Soudha’s Grand Steps on behalf of DNA Entertainment Networks — the agency hired by RCB to manage event logistics.

“On behalf of the M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited, KSCA requests to inform that after the TATA IPL 2025 Finals on 3rd June 2025, in case Royal Challengers Bengaluru wins the IPL 2025 title, M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited shall make plans for the felicitation ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps,” the letter read, addressed to the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR).

While the Vidhan Soudha event went off smoothly, chaos broke out outside Chinnaswamy Stadium after RCB’s social media post invited fans to celebrate. The post was later deleted, but the gathering had already swelled to lakhs. The planned victory parade was cancelled after the stampede, but an indoor ceremony went ahead.

After an FIR was registered against KSCA officials, the association approached the Karnataka High Court, claiming it had no role in crowd or gate management. In its writ petition, KSCA said:

“IPL events are conducted by RCB through their service provider M/S DNA network private limited and the role of KSCA is very limited as it accommodates by extending the venue and infrastructure.” “The police have registered the FIR under intense pressure and compelling circumstances without any preliminary enquiry by naming the petitioner/members of KSCA as accused,” it added.

KSCA accused the police of registering the FIR under “pressure” and requested protection from coercive action. The High Court has restrained the police from arresting any KSCA members until June 16, when the case will be heard again.

Meanwhile, the High Court has also taken suo motu cognisance of the stampede and directed the state to file a detailed status report by June 10.