Strategy as good as RCB: Jharkhand gang comes up with extensive plan to steal phones worth over Rs 18 lakhs at Chinnaswamy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a perfect outing in their 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, they were not the only ones inside the stadium with an extensive plan to achieve their desired outcome.

A group of 11 from Jharkhand too had their plans on point as they stole at least 25 phones worth over Rs 18 lakhs from the venue, which hosted a major game for the first time since the IPL 2025.

However, once the police got up to the task of finding these phone thieves, all of their plans were trashed. And unlike RCB, who will get the full reward for executing their plans , the gang will have a tough time, even though they, too, were perfect in their execution.

From Jharkhand to Chinnaswamy, with a lot of plans

A report in the Times of India has revealed the details of the heist that this group of 11, which included minors as well, carried out.

The group came from Jharkhand to Bengaluru and booked a hotel near the venue. Some of these came from planes, while some took trains. All of them combined in Bengaluru a couple of days before the IPL opener.

These people then bought RCB jerseys so that they could blend in with the crowd. They also managed to steal complimentary passes to get inside the stadium. The group also inspected the stadium to find the hotspots where they could carry out their mission. With all things in place, the group went on a phone-stealing spree on the opening day.

After the match, social media was filled with complaints from fans who had lost their phones during the game. The police sprang into action to find out the suspects and quickly got their hands on this group.

The theft was carried out in crowded places like Gates 1, 2, and 3, as well as the P3 stand. This group was especially active when people gathered for refreshments during breaks and when fans gathered near the exit gates. Phones were also stolen at the Cubbon Park Metro Station, which is the closest metro station near the venue.

A 26-year-old Shubham Kumar has been identified as the alleged mastermind of this crime, and three more people have been arrested. Seven are still absconding. Police has recovered 21 stolen mobile phones worth around Rs 18 lakh.

“We suspect Shubham is running a mobile-theft racket with minors,” a police officer was quoted by the publication as saying.