Chinnaswamy stampede: Karnataka High Court grants protection from arrest to Karnataka Cricket Association management

The Karnataka High Court on Friday granted protection from arrest to the three officials of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) who moved the Court seeking quashing of the case registered against KSCA management and its top officials in connection with the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede in Bengaluru on June 4 which had led to the death of 11 people..Justice SR Krishna Kumar passed the order granting interim relief to the KSCA management - President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A Shankar and Treasurer ES Jairam, while asking them to cooperate with the probe."By way of interim arrangement ... without prejudice to the rights and contentions, the respondents are directed not to take coercive steps against the petitioner 2, 3 and 4 ... till the next date of hearing subject to the condition that the petitioner shall cooperate with the ongoing investigation, inquiry, commission etc," the Court stated.Advocate General Shashi Kiran, appearing for the State, said that the investigation should be allowed to go on and opposed the protection order.However, the counsel for the petitioners pointed out that the marketing head of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been arrested."One accused was arrested at airport, he was trying to escape. He was going to Dubai," the AG responded.The counsel for KSCA pointed out that the Chief Minister himself had said that there would arrests.Eventually, the Court granted the officials protection from arrest for the officials.The petition for quashing the case will be heard next on June 16..11 people died and 56 people were left injured after a stampede took place outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, when a large crowd gathered to greet the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricket team after they won the Indian Premier League (IPL).Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) had planned a victory parade outside the stadium to mark RCB's first victory in 18 years, and the team was slated to arrive at the stadium to meet fans on Wednesday. When it was allegedly announced that free entry would be permitted, large crowds thronged the stadium's gates, leading to a stampede and the tragic loss of lives.Following the incident, an FIR was registered at the Cubbon Park Police Station. The Karnataka government also set up a one-member commission headed by retired Karnataka High Court Justice John Michael Cunha to probe the stampede..The KSCA argued that the FIR naming its managements and others was result of a kneejerk reaction by the police at the instance of Karnataka government which is "struggling hard to take the lashes of media and severe criticism.""There is absolutely no wrong that can be attributed to the Petitioner Committee or its office bearers as they stand aloof of any liabilities against the entire unfortunate incident. Despite having shown the gratitude by extending independent compensation from its side, the KSCA and its office bearers are put to undeserved misery by way naming them as accused of said offence," the plea said..The petitioners include KSCA Management, President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A Shankar and Treasurer ES Jairam."The petitioners 2 to 4 are most respected individuals engaged in noble professions besides rendering yeomen services. They are charted accountants and designated Scnior Advocates by profession. The media carries direct commanding statements by the Hon'ble Chief Minister directing the police to arrest the accused persons and the police have got on to their toes pursuant to the same in utter violation and float of law," the plea alleged..Pertinently, the Karnataka High Court initiated a suo motu case on Thursday over the incident and sought a status report on the matter from the State. That case will be heard next on June 10, Tuesday.Today, RCB Marketing and Revenue head Nikhil Sosale moved the High Court challenging his arrest in connection with the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede case.