Credit: X
The new Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are in immense trouble as the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Ombudsman-cum Ethics Officer Justice Retired Arun Mishra has asked the franchise and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to file written submissions regarding the stampede that took place during the team’s title celebration in Bengaluru on June 4. In the infamous incident, 11 people lost lives. Following IPS Officer Vikas Kumar’s official complaint, the Ombudsman has delivered four weeks to RCB and KSCA to file the written submissions.
PTI has a possession of a copy of the Ombudsman’s order. The plaintiff has urged the Ombudsman to stall current owners from selling the franchise until the complete scrutiny of the tragedy is done. "Looking at the gravity of the incident, it is considered appropriate that the Karnataka (State) Cricket Association, as well as the concerned franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore be asked to submit their written replied to the complaint," penned Retired Justice Mishra in his order.
Why BCCI Ombudsman asked for written submissions?
A probable reason why RCB have been asked for written submissions is due to the growing speculation that the franchise can be sold out and owners might distance themselves from the incident that took place last month. "Apprehension has been expressed that the franchise may be attempting to distance itself from accountability and possibly offload ownership to avoid potential consequences. In the meantime, status quo be maintained," it stated.
In a recent development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) also held RCB responsible for the huge crowd gathering which resulted in the death of 11 folks including women and children. The Tribunal also dismissed the Karnataka government’s suspension order against the IPS officer Kumar, who faced the action following the stampede.
