Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 1: Bengaluru police have arrested a key suspect and several minors in connection with a series of mobile phone thefts that took place during the IPL 2026 opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.
The prime accused, identified as Shubham Kumar (26) from Jharkhand, along with accomplice minors, was apprehended by Cubbon Park police. Police have recovered 21 mobile phones of various brands worth approximately Rs 18 lac. The minors have been sent to a juvenile home.
Police said the thefts were carried out in a coordinated manner. “Shubham Kumar had given IPL tickets to the minors and sent them inside the stadium to steal spectators’ mobile phones. CCTV footage and technical evidence helped us identify and apprehend the accused,” said Bengaluru City police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh.
According to police sources, the thefts occurred in two phases. After the first innings, many spectators went out to purchase food and water, and the accused exploited the crowded conditions to commit the thefts. Additional thefts took place as spectators exited the stadium after the match.
Officials noted that some of the accused had travelled from other states, staying in local hotels while committing the thefts. Police are investigating whether the gang was involved in similar incidents at other IPL venues and are working to identify additional accomplices.
“This case involves both the main accused and several minors who assisted him. All recovered mobile phones have been secured, and investigations are ongoing to trace any other participants and connections with similar thefts in other states,” Commissioner Singh added.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Central Division DCP Akshay M Hakay, with ACP Priyadarshini leading the Cubbon Park police team and inspector K S Devendrappa coordinating the arrests.
Police emphasised that swift action based on CCTV evidence, technical tracking, and coordinated raids was crucial in preventing further losses and curbing organised mobile thefts targeting spectators during high-profile events.