Virat Kohli is regarded as Bengaluru's adopted child. PC-AP
After the stampede after last season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s home venue, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, went through a lot. Just to bring back the IPL to Bengaluru, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had to implement major transformations and a safety overhaul.
The KSCA and the RCB franchise collaborated to enhance the security of the stadium by installing AI-enabled cameras. As a result, more than 240 CCTV cameras were installed to cover crucial locations such as entry gates, perimeter zones and concourses.
Apart from these key actions, the state association followed a 17-Point plan, implementing structural improvements, addressing power supply issues for fire safety, and working closely with police and medical authorities in emergency scenarios.
240 cameras went offline, two men booked
A major mishap occurred during RCB's home game against the Gujarat Titans (GT) last Friday (April 24). Reportedly, two men destroyed the CCTV surveillance system at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. As a result, over 240 cameras went offline during the RCB vs GT match.
The Bengaluru police have booked the two men, Manjunath (37), from Karnataka's Hiriyur, and Abdul Kalam (19), from Uttar Pradesh.
"The complaint was filed by Aditya Bhat, an employee of Staqu Technologies Pvt Ltd, a Gurugram-based firm that provides Al-driven surveillance solutions during match days. He has accused the duo of entering the CCTV control room without valid passes and damaged the Network Video Recorder (NVR) systems and related fibre connections," a report by Deccan Herald stated.
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Why were CCTV systems destroyed at Chinnaswamy?
The police are acting swiftly on the matter and looking to establish the cause behind the destruction.
As per initial reports, the two worked for IVS Digital Solutions - a sub-vendor to Staqu Technologies Pvt Ltd, and vandalised the CCTV systems due to the non-payment of dues amounting to Rs 10 lakh.
"CCTV footage reportedly shows them accessing restricted areas, including the control room and connection boxes near the parking area," the report added.
Raipur to host remaining home games for RCB
RCB are scheduled to play five of their home matches in Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while the remaining two will be held in Raipur. It is worth mentioning that all of RCB’s games in Bengaluru are over.
However, if reports are to be believed, the action will return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2026 for the playoffs. Reportedly, two knockout games will be held at the venue, including the final of the season.
After seven matches, the defending champions are in second place with five wins and two losses. Thanks to the all-round performances, RCB are looking like the team to beat, with consistent performances from Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya and the rest.
The Rajat Patidar-led side is currently in Delhi for their away fixture against the Delhi Capitals on Monday (April 27). Next, they will travel to Ahmedabad and Lucknow, before hosting their first game in Raipur vs MI.
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