The arrest of Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has sparked controversy, with Sosale claiming his arrest was "illegal" and based on an "oral order" from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Sosale was apprehended in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred during RCB's IPL victory celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in 11 deaths and 75 injuries.

Sosale's legal team approached the Karnataka High Court, asserting that his arrest in the early hours of Friday was arbitrary and violated his constitutional rights. According to his petition, the FIR against him was registered following a late-night cabinet meeting and the initiation of suo-motu proceedings by the High Court. His counsel pointed out that the investigating officer, Police Inspector AK Girisha, who filed the FIR, had himself been suspended, emphasizing that arrests should be based on the investigating officer's domain and not on instructions from a superior.

In his petition to the High Court, Sosale contended that the arrest was a move to divert blame for the incident onto RCB and its staff. He highlighted the suspension of senior police officers for alleged dereliction of duty and questioned the urgency in arresting a private citizen before a thorough investigation into individual responsibilities. Sosale also argued that his arrest at night infringed upon his constitutional freedom under Article 19. He claimed that the "hasty action reflected a predetermined agenda based on the chief minister's directive, without a proper investigation of his specific involvement, disregarding natural justice principles."

The Advocate General, representing the state government, stated that Sosale was apprehended while "attempting to leave the country." Justice SR Krishna Kumar adjourned the hearing to June 9, indicating that interim relief would be considered after the state government files its statement of objections.

Nikhil Sosale and three individuals from DNA Entertainment Networks were arrested in connection with the stampede. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed action against officials from RCB, DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) following the tragedy. According to police reports, Sosale was taken into custody at Bengaluru airport as he was attempting to travel to Mumbai.

The Cubbon Park police had registered an FIR against officials from RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and DNA Entertainment Networks Ltd. Following a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision to arrest officials responsible for the event's arrangements. Sosale and the others were arrested shortly after the CM's statement and taken to Cubbon Park Police Station for questioning.

Sosale played a role in coordinating with DNA Entertainment Networks for the team's post-season celebrations. This included announcing a "victory parade" from Vidhana Soudha to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which reportedly lacked prior approval from city police.