In the aftermath of a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 11 people and injured at least 47 during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricket team's Indian Premier League (IPL) victory, Indian police have taken four individuals into custody. The arrests, which occurred on Friday, include three people from an event management company and one official from the RCB team, according to local media reports.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka state, as tens of thousands of fans gathered to welcome home their team, RCB, after their victory against Punjab Kings in the IPL final. While the team celebrated inside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a massive crowd attempted to enter, resulting in a stampede at the gates.

The arrested RCB official has been identified as Nikhil Sosale, the team's head of marketing. According to India Today, Sosale was apprehended at Bengaluru's airport. The Indian Express reported that an executive from an event management company, DNA Entertainment Private Limited executives, was also arrested along with Sosale. A city court on Friday remanded Nikhil Sosale, along with Sunil Mathew, Sumanth, and Kiran Kumar, to 14-day judicial custody.

The arrests have occurred after Karnataka state's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that legal action would be taken against representatives of RCB, the event organizers, and the state's cricket association. A first information report (FIR), marking the commencement of a police investigation, has been registered against them. Local media outlets have reported that the charges include culpable homicide not amounting to murder, among others.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also taken action against top police officers in Bengaluru, including the city's police commissioner, who have been suspended for appearing "irresponsible and negligent."

Following the incident, RCB expressed their condolences, calling the event "unfortunate" and pledging to provide financial assistance of one million Indian rupees ($11,655) to each family of the deceased.

The tragedy has sparked widespread anger and debate about the safety measures in place during large public gatherings. India's head cricket coach Gautam Gambhir expressed his disapproval of roadshows and celebrations that could potentially endanger lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences, describing the accident as "absolutely heartrending."

Stampedes are unfortunately frequent occurrences in India, particularly at religious events. However, this incident marks the first time in 45 years that fans have died in a crush at a sporting event in the country, according to local media.