240 CCTV cameras disabled at Chinnaswamy Stadium; Two booked for sabotaging RCB vs GT IPL fixture

Bengaluru: Authorities have initiated a criminal investigation after the CCTV surveillance infrastructure at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was sabotaged during a high-profile cricket match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans on April 24.

The disruption rendered more than 240 cameras inoperable, severely compromising security monitoring across critical zones of the venue. According to reports, Cubbon Park police have filed charges against two individuals: Manjunath, 37, of Chitradurga, and Abdul Kalam, 19, originally from Uttar Pradesh.

The Incident and Sabotage

A senior law enforcement official confirmed the security breach occurred during the course of the match. The two suspects were reportedly employed by a sub-vendor for IVS Digital Solutions, a firm tasked with providing digital services for the event.

The formal complaint was lodged by Aditya Bhat, a representative of Staqu Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The Gurugram-based company specialises in AI-enhanced surveillance solutions for match days. Bhat alleged that the pair entered the CCTV control room without the requisite authorisation or valid passes. Once inside, they reportedly disabled the Network Video Recorder (NVR) systems and severed essential fibre-optic connections.

Investigative footage appears to show the suspects accessing restricted sectors, including the central control hub and various connection interfaces situated near the stadium's parking facilities.

Security Impact

The compromised surveillance network was responsible for monitoring sensitive areas, including entry gates, spectator concourses, and the stadium’s perimeter. The failure of the system on match day prevented technical staff from providing live video feeds to the police units assigned to secure the premises.

The suspects were booked on charges related to the intentional destruction of property.

Motive for Disruption

Following their apprehension, the accused reportedly admitted to investigators that the sabotage was a premeditated response to a financial dispute. The men claimed they were owed outstanding payments totalling 10 lakh rupees. They allegedly asserted that the destruction was carried out as a direct result of their employer’s repeated failure to settle those dues.

While the investigation continues, police have emphasised the gravity of the security lapse caused by the act.