New Delhi: A major ticketing irregularity has come to light in Bengaluru after a stadium canteen worker was arrested for allegedly selling Indian Premier League tickets at inflated prices. The incident is linked to the high demand match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants held on April 15 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The accused, identified as Chandrashekhar, was employed at a canteen inside the stadium. He was apprehended by the Central Crime Branch while allegedly selling more than 180 tickets in the black market. The tickets were reportedly sold at prices ranging between Rs 15,000 and Rs 19,000 each, far above their original value.
Investigations began following credible inputs about bulk ticket purchases being diverted for illegal resale. Authorities examined individuals working within the stadium premises before identifying the suspect. It was found that the tickets had been purchased through the online platform Ticketgenie in large quantities under the names of private firms, including Swastik Heavy Engineering and Industrial Automation Consultant Company, along with additional bookings made under Dharani Computers Company.
Further inquiry revealed a pattern of similar activity during an earlier IPL fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings on March 28, where dozens of tickets were allegedly purchased in bulk and resold at inflated rates.
In total, officials identified 181 tickets across multiple categories, collectively valued at over Rs 17 lakh, that were illegally diverted and sold in the black market.
During questioning, the accused reportedly stated that the tickets were supplied by a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, who allegedly directed him to resell them at higher prices. The individual is currently absconding, and efforts are underway to locate him.
Authorities have also registered cases against certain company officials suspected of facilitating the transactions, as the investigation continues to uncover the extent of the network involved.
