Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic IPL 2025 title win has been overshadowed by a tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives. Instead of celebrations, the franchise is now surrounded by controversy, leading to multiple arrests including a prominent figure closely linked to the team.

RCB Marketing Head Arrested Amidst Stampede Fallout

Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of RCB, was among the four individuals arrested in connection with the fatal incident outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Sosale, who has held this role for two years, works with Diageo India — the parent company of United Spirits Limited, which owns the Bengaluru-based franchise.

Following his arrest, fans quickly began digging into Sosale’s background, unearthing his connections with RCB players, particularly Virat Kohli.

Close Ties with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Emerge

Social media was soon flooded with images of Sosale enjoying both personal and professional moments with Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma.

Photos from various events show Sosale and his wife, Malvika Nayak, socializing with the celebrity couple. Malvika was also frequently seen in the VIP stands during RCB’s matches this season, often seated beside Anushka.

Several posts showed Sosale in the company of former RCB stars Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell, strengthening the public’s perception of his deep association with the franchise.

Who is Malvika Nayak? The Internet Has Answers

The recurring presence of Malvika Nayak at RCB matches had already sparked curiosity among fans.

It didn’t take long for netizens to identify her and connect her friendship with Anushka Sharma. Their bond, it turns out, goes back years.

One resurfaced image from 2018 shows Malvika alongside Anushka, Virat, and KL Rahul at an event celebrating a decade of RCB.

Trolls Target Malvika After Husband’s Arrest

As Nikhil Sosale’s name made headlines for the wrong reasons, online trolls directed their attention to Malvika.

One viral comment read, “The one calling Rishabh Pant stupid, now her husband is arrested.”

Social media users continued to share memes, past screenshots, and photos involving the couple and RCB stars, turning Malvika and Sosale into trending topics for all the wrong reasons.

Police Expand Investigation to KSCA Officials

Meanwhile, the probe into the stampede continues to widen.

Police have conducted raids at the homes of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary Shankar and Treasurer Jayaram, indicating that the investigation is far from over.