In a major breakthrough, police in Bengaluru have busted an organised interstate mobile theft racket that allegedly used trained minors to target spectators during an IPL 2026 match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The thefts were reported on March 28 during the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, where several spectators lost their mobile phones.
Police said the gang operated with careful planning. Minors were allegedly brought to Bengaluru from different parts of the country by train and flight specifically to carry out the thefts.
A total of 13 people, including four adults and nine minors, have been detained in connection with the case. Most of the accused are from Jharkhand, while some are from Bihar.
Investigators found that the juveniles had been systematically trained in pickpocketing as well as evasion tactics. They were reportedly coached on how to behave if caught, including what to say during questioning and before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Police believe the gang deliberately used minors to avoid suspicion and reduce legal consequences.
In another indication of premeditation, some members allegedly stole match tickets to gain entry into the stadium and target people within the crowd.
So far, police have recovered 75 mobile phones, including 70 stolen devices and five phones used by the accused to coordinate the operation.
The four adult accused have been identified as Shubham Kumar, Eshal Kumar (23), Sanjeeth Kumar (24), and Sohan Kumar. They have been produced before a court and remanded to police custody.
The nine minors have been presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to government observation homes.
Police suspect the group is part of a larger network operating across multiple cities. Efforts are underway to identify other members and link similar incidents.
