Bengaluru: In a major breakthrough, the Cubbon Park Police have uncovered an organised theft racket involving minors who allegedly travelled from Jharkhand to Bengaluru to steal mobile phones during the IPL season opener.
The thefts took place at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the high-profile match, which drew thousands of cricket fans.
Planned operation involving minors
Police investigations revealed that a group of 11 minor boys had travelled from Jharkhand and booked accommodation in Bengaluru ahead of the match. Authorities suspect that the group attended the IPL opener with the premeditated intention of stealing mobile phones from unsuspecting spectators.
Among those apprehended, only one is an adult—Shubham Kumar (26), a native of Sahebganz. The rest of the accused are minors, raising concerns about the involvement of juveniles in organised criminal activities.
Thefts during peak crowd movement
According to police sources, the gang carried out the thefts during peak crowd movement, particularly when spectators were exiting the stadium after the match between teams in the Indian Premier League.
The accused allegedly targeted distracted fans in densely crowded areas, making it easier to steal mobile phones without immediate detection.
In an official statement, police confirmed that 21 mobile phones worth approximately ₹18 lakh have been recovered from the accused. However, investigators believe the total number of stolen devices could be significantly higher.
Interstate links under probe
Authorities suspect that the gang may be part of a larger interstate network targeting major sporting events. Similar incidents of mobile theft were reported during an IPL match in Chennai last year, and police are now exploring possible links between the cases.
Preliminary findings indicate that the gang arrived in Bengaluru a day before the match, stayed in rented rooms, and executed the thefts in a coordinated manner.
Police have launched further search operations to track additional suspects who may still be in the city and to uncover the full extent of the network.
Increased security at IPL venues
In response to the incident, law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance and security measures around stadium premises, especially during large-scale events like IPL matches.
Officials have also urged spectators to remain vigilant and safeguard their belongings while attending crowded events.
Conclusion
The case has highlighted the growing concern of organised theft targeting large public gatherings, with the involvement of minors adding a new dimension to the issue. As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on dismantling the network and preventing similar incidents in the future.