With the IPL 2026 season in full swing, Bengaluru police have arrested two men over an alleged act of sabotage at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the home ground of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The purported damage occurred on 24 April, the same day Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosted Gujarat Titans in a high-profile match.
Alleged sabotage cripples stadium surveillance
Police action followed reports that the security incident left a major portion of the stadium’s monitoring system offline during the match day. Authorities say the malfunction was linked to intentional harm to key infrastructure used for surveillance operations, creating a serious security blind spot at the venue.
- More than 240 CCTV cameras reportedly went offline after Network Video Recorder (NVR) units and essential fibre optic connections were damaged.
- The incident took place at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 24 April, coinciding with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans game.
- Officials are investigating how the act impacted the stadium’s safety protocols and what prompted the disruption.
Who are the arrested men?
Investigators have identified the accused as Manjunath and Abdul Kalam. Both were reportedly connected to digital surveillance work at the stadium through a contracted vendor arrangement.
- Manjunath, 37, hails from Hiriyur in Chitradurga.
- Abdul Kalam, 19, is from Uttar Pradesh.
- Both men were reportedly employed by a sub-vendor linked to IVS Digital Solutions.
- IVS Digital Solutions is described as the company contracted to provide digital and surveillance services at the venue.
Complaint details and evidence under scrutiny
The formal complaint was lodged by Aditya Bhat, an employee of the Gurugram-based AI surveillance firm Staqu Technologies Pvt Ltd. In the complaint, Bhat alleged that the accused entered an area meant to be restricted and caused physical damage to surveillance equipment.
- Bhat accused the duo of entering a restricted CCTV control room without authorisation.
- He alleged that they physically damaged equipment used for surveillance operations.
Investigators cited CCTV material as part of the evidence. The footage is said to show the two men accessing sensitive sections of the stadium, including the control room and connection boxes near the parking area.
- Authorities are using CCTV recordings showing the accused reaching the CCTV control room.
- Footage also reportedly captures access to connection boxes near the parking facility.
Possible motive and next steps
While police examine the underlying intent, preliminary information points to a protest linked to unpaid dues. Reports suggest the destruction was carried out as a response to non-payment of an amount said to be Rs 10 lakh.
- Preliminary indications suggest the act may have been a protest over non-payment of dues worth Rs 10 lakh.
- The accused allegedly told police they were acting out of frustration because their payments were still outstanding despite repeated reminders.
Police have registered a case against both individuals for the intentional destruction of property, and further investigation is ongoing.
Impact on RCB’s IPL 2026 home schedule
On the cricketing front, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the remainder of the season have already been completed. The franchise is set to shift venues for the remaining home fixtures.
- RCB’s matches at the Chinnaswamy for IPL 2026 are already over.
- The franchise is moving to a new venue for the remaining home games.
- RCB’s final two home matches of the season have been moved to Raipur due to pre-existing logistical arrangements.
