Watch: Jharkhand gang targets M. Chinnaswamy Stadium; multiple phone thefts reported during IPL 2026 opener

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has started with full craze and excitement, with runs being scored around the ground in all the first three games of the event, with the bowlers showing their dominance with constant wickets and excellent fielding performances from the teams. But an organized Jharkhand gang has made its presence.

The Bengaluru police have uncovered an organized inter-state theft following a series of mobile phones being stolen during the opening game of the event at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru between the defending champions, Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). 

Organized theft racket allegedly active during RCB vs SRH clash

A gang of 11 minor boys traveled all the way from Jharkhand to steal the phones and were taken into custody on March 31 after targeting unsuspecting fans during the high-profile contest. The investigation has revealed that it was a well-planned operation.

The juveniles, who are aged between 14 and 17, traveled from Jharkhand to Bengaluru, specifically for the IPL 2026. To avoid suspicion, they stayed in the local hotels and wore the team jerseys, besides carrying valid tickets or passes for the game. This put them in the dress of regular fans.

Watch the video here: 

When the spectators moved to get the snacks or water during the innings break, the gang realized it was the best time and completed their operation of stealing the phones. The Cubbon Park Police launched a probe after 30 complaints were registered, with the reports suggesting over 50 phones being stolen.

The police have recovered 21 high-end mobile phones, valued at INR 18 lakh, as the Commissioner, Seemanth Kumar, stated that this appears to be a large syndicate that travels across the country for major gatherings.  

Multiple fans report missing phones inside stadium

The major phone theft gained attention through the viral video of content creator Ritu Tiwari, who shared a harrowing account of her husband’s phone being stolen from the P3 stand during the first innings of the opener.

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The video stated that the theft occurred when her husband stepped out to get the water. Tiwari alleged that nearly 50 to 60 phones have been stoned from the single stand within a very short time. The next operation for the gang was about to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 03.