A major security lapse was reported during the Indian Premier League 2026 season at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where two individuals were arrested for allegedly sabotaging surveillance systems ahead of a high-profile match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans on April 24.
According to multiple reports, the incident resulted in the disruption of more than 240 CCTV cameras after critical infrastructure—including Network Video Recorder (NVR) units and fibre optic connections—was deliberately damaged. The breach created a significant temporary blind spot in stadium security, raising serious concerns over safety protocols.
The accused have been identified as Manjunath (37), a resident of Chitradurga, and Abdul Kalam (19), from Uttar Pradesh. Both were employed by a subcontractor under IVS Digital Solutions, which had been tasked with managing surveillance operations at the venue.
A complaint filed by an employee of Staqu Technologies Pvt Ltd alleged that the duo gained unauthorised access to the CCTV control room using a deactivated entry card. They then proceeded to tamper with and damage essential surveillance equipment.
Investigators found that several key areas within the stadium—including entry gates, concourses, and corporate stands—were left without live monitoring for a period. CCTV footage reportedly captured the suspects entering restricted zones and interfering with sensitive systems.
Preliminary findings suggest that the act may have been driven by a financial dispute, with the accused allegedly aggrieved over unpaid dues amounting to approximately ₹10 lakh.
Despite the scale of the breach, authorities acted swiftly to restore surveillance through backup systems, ensuring that the match proceeded without disruption. A case has been registered under relevant legal provisions, and further investigations are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and determine accountability.
The incident has reignited concerns regarding operational oversight and security preparedness at one of the IPL’s busiest venues, particularly in light of previous controversies, including reports of ticket black-marketing and a tragic stampede at the stadium last year.
On the field, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a victory over Gujarat Titans, concluding their Bengaluru leg of the season with four wins from five matches. The franchise is set to shift its remaining home fixtures to Raipur due to prior scheduling commitments.
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