Following a series of mobile phone thefts during an IPL match in Bengaluru, police have arrested a key suspect and several minors, recovering 21 stolen devices and launching a broader investigation into potential links to similar crimes.
Key Points
- A prime suspect and several minors have been arrested in Bengaluru for mobile phone thefts during an IPL match.
- Bengaluru police recovered 21 stolen mobile phones worth Rs 18 lakhs.
- The thefts occurred during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL match at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- Police are investigating whether the accused are involved in similar thefts at other match venues and locations.
- A total of 29 cases have been registered in connection with the mobile phone thefts.
Police on Tuesday said they have taken into custody a prime accused and several children in conflict with law, in connection with a series of mobile phone thefts during the IPL match in Bengaluru on March 28.
Police said they seized 21 mobile phones of different brands, valued at Rs 18 lakhs.
Reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening fixture of IPL 2026, held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on March 28.
"Mobile phones of the public who had come to watch the tournament were stolen. A main accused and several minors in conflict with law, have been taken into custody in connection with the case, which is under investigation," Police said in a release.
A total of 21 mobiles of different brands have been seized from the main accused, it said, adding that "several of his (main accused) associates and minors have been subjected to inquiry. The investigation is ongoing."
Police Investigation and Recovery
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh told reporters that after the IPL match, complaints were received about mobile phone thefts in and around the stadium area, and cases have been registered regarding these thefts.
"Police's crime squad immediately swung into action and nabbed a gang based on CCTV and technical evidence, and have recovered 21 mobile phones from them," he said.
More information is being gathered from those taken into custody and efforts are on to nab others involved, he said, "those involved in the crime had come from other states and stayed at a hotel and committed the thefts....it is being investigated whether they had come for this purpose (mobiles theft) alone and whether they were involved in similar incidents in other places."
Ongoing Inquiries
A total of 29 cases have been registered, he further said, adding that investigations are on to determine if they were involved in similar crimes at other places, including other match venues.
