Multiple phone thefts reported during IPL match at Chinnaswamy stadium; police step up probe

Following a series of mobile theft cases reported at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, the Cubbon Park Police are intensifying their investigation to bust the gang behind what they believe could be a racket.

According to the police, around 25 complaints have been received from spectators who reported their mobile phones missing during the match.

The issue came to light after a woman highlighted the incident on social media. “My husband realised his phone was missing after the first innings when he went to get drinking water. At the same time, many people were complaining about the same,” she stated in the video she posted on her social media handle.

Senior police officials confirmed that cases have been registered and a probe is under way. “We have received around 25 complaints, and investigations have been launched,” a senior officer said.

The police suspect that some phones may have been either stolen inside the stadium or lost in crowded areas outside, including while walking to the venue or exiting the metro stations, with people noticing the loss only after entering the stadium.

A few minors have been detained on suspicion of involvement in the thefts. Preliminary inquiries suggest they had entered the stadium wearing team jerseys and were using complimentary tickets.

Officials are now probing whether the incidents are part of a larger organised theft network targeting large public gatherings.