In a breakthrough, the Cubbon Park police have busted a mobile phone theft ring operating during the opening match of IPL 2026.

The police arrested four members of an interstate gang, including a minor, in connection with the case and seized 21 mobile phones worth Rs 18 lakh. The arrests come after a series of mobile phone thefts were reported during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad match at the M A Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday (March 28).

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Seven more suspects from the gang are still on the run.

Mobile phone heist

Around 50–60 mobile phones were reportedly stolen during the match from the P3 stand. Most of the thefts occurred during peak crowd movement, particularly in the second innings when fans rushed to buy refreshments. Incidents were also reported near the gates and at the Cubbon Park Metro Station as spectators exited the stadium after the match.

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According to officials, the 11-member gang from Jharkhand was led by the prime accused, identified as Shubham Kumar (26). He allegedly recruited minors aged between 10 and 12 years and travelled to Bengaluru by flight and train, two days before the inaugural match.

The group surveyed the stadium, including the gates and pavilion, stole complimentary match tickets near the gates, and purchased RCB jerseys to blend in with the crowd while carrying out the thefts.

Victim’s ordeal

One of the victims, sharing her ordeal on social media, said her husband’s phone was stolen when he stepped out to get drinking water. The incident came to light after several other spectators reported similar complaints, prompting them to approach the stadium police.

She further alleged that the victims had approached a nearby police station after on-ground security failed to provide adequate assistance.

Notably, after several months of uncertainty and deliberations, cricket had returned to M Chinnaswamy Stadium through the IPL season-opener. The June 4, 2025, stampede that killed 11 fans as part of RCB’s victory celebrations here had jeopardised Chinnaswamy’s chances of hosting cricket matches.

Advisory for upcoming matches

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Akshay Hakay said the team arrested Shubham within 48 hours with the help of CCTV footage and complaints filed by victims. “Since there were multiple complaints from the P3 stand, we scanned the CCTV footage and zeroed in on a few suspects, including Kumar,” he said.

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Police are now investigating whether the gang is linked to similar thefts at other IPL venues, including Chepauk Stadium in Chennai and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. An advisory has been issued to fans for upcoming matches.

Chennai Super Kings will take on Punjab Kings at Chepauk Stadium on April 3 (Friday). The next match at Bengaluru’s M A Chinnaswamy Stadium is scheduled for April 5 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings.