Angered over delayed payment, 2 workers disable 240 cameras at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during IPL match

According to the FIR, the two accused entered the stadium using passes but without authorisation at around 11.30 am on the day of the match. They allegedly proceeded to deliberately tamper with network video recorder (NVR) systems and fibre connections, disabling cameras across critical areas, including all entry gates, perimeter cameras, the D-checkpoint area, and concourse sections. They also reportedly damaged optical fibre connections near a back room within the premises.

The sabotage rendered more than 240 cameras non-functional during a high-security, high-footfall event. Because the incident occurred on a match day, replacement staff and resources could not be mobilised in time to restore the system immediately.

A police officer said the accused admitted to disabling the CCTV cameras.

“RCB had given the contract to Staqu Technologies Pvt Ltd., which then sub-leased the maintenance work to IVS Digital Solutions. The payment for these two employees was delayed. It prompted them to disable the surveillance cameras. These cameras are also connected to the Bengaluru city police commissioner’s office,” the officer said.

The accused appeared before the police on Monday for questioning.

Vinay Mruthyunjaya, official spokesperson of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, said on Tuesday the disabled cameras did not affect the security as the police had an independent and comprehensive security and crowd management arrangement.

He said in a statement, “The matter was identified and resolved well in advance, prior to the opening of stadium gates and commencement of public entry. At no point did this incident result in any security lapse, operational disruption, or life-threatening situation. There was no element of sabotage affecting the safety or security of spectators, players, or officials.”