Bengaluru, 12 Nov

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday eased travel restrictions imposed on Nikhil Sosale, Marketing Head of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who is among the accused in the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede case.

Sosale, arrested on 6 June and released on bail six days later, had been barred from leaving the City under his bail conditions. Seeking modification, he moved the court, arguing that his professional duties required frequent travel across India.

After reviewing the case records, the bench observed that Sosale’s role involved nationwide responsibilities and that he had undertaken to keep the investigating officer informed of his movements. Accepting this assurance, the court deemed it appropriate to grant relief.

“It is expedient to allow the application. The condition is relaxed subject to the petitioner informing the investigating officer before leaving and after returning to the city,” the order stated.

Senior advocate Sandesh J Chouta, appearing for Nikhil Sosale, noted that similar restrictions on co-accused from M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd. and the Karnataka State Cricket Association had already been lifted through separate petitions.

However, the court clarified that the requirement for Sosale to surrender his passport remains unchanged, thereby preventing any overseas travel.

The case pertains to a stampede that broke out on 4 June outside City’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where massive crowds had gathered to join celebrations marking Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title.

A total of 11 people were killed and several sustained injuries in the chaos, which officials said was triggered by mismanagement during entry at the venue.

The incident led to widespread criticism of event organisers, prompting the police to book multiple individuals and entities associated with the event, including Sosale and the event management firm.