A seemingly minor altercation over seating at an Indian Premier League (IPL) match has spiraled into a full-fledged police case, drawing national attention and raising uncomfortable questions about VIP privilege and protocol. The incident occurred during Saturday’s match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
A senior Income Tax commissioner is now facing serious allegations after the wife of a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer filed a complaint accusing him of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and insulting her modesty, following a dispute in the Diamond Box, the stadium’s exclusive VIP gallery.
Altercation Begins Over Occupied Seat
According to police officials at Cubbon Park Police Station, the incident began when the IPS officer’s daughter and son were watching the match from their designated seats in the Diamond Box. Their mother, the complainant, briefly stepped away to use the washroom. During her absence, the accused Income Tax commissioner allegedly took her seat.
When the woman’s brother requested the man to vacate it, he reportedly ignored the request. Upon her return, the woman reiterated the demand, leading to a verbal altercation, which further escalated when the accused’s wife joined the argument. Despite the tense exchange, other VIP spectators in the box, including several senior officials and their families, reportedly did not intervene.
The woman soon called her parents for support, prompting the IPS officer and his wife to arrive at the stadium. A formal police complaint was lodged the same evening.
FIR Registered Under New BNS Provisions
The police have registered a case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
Section 75(1) – Sexual harassment (including unwelcome gestures)
Section 79 – Insulting the modesty of a woman
Section 351(1) – Criminal intimidation
Section 352 – Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
Authorities have launched an investigation, with statements from both parties and potential witnesses being recorded. Security footage and ticket records may also be examined as part of the probe.
Public Questions Ticket Legitimacy, Calls for Transparency
As the incident gains public attention, concerned citizens and legal experts have begun questioning the legitimacy of VIP box access and whether the seats were formally purchased or allocated through official privilege.
Social media platforms and public forums are flooded with comments demanding a transparent inquiry into how both parties obtained access to the highly restricted Diamond Box area. Critics argue that preferential access without clear accountability undermines public trust and raises questions about misuse of government positions and entitlements.
A senior police officer involved in the probe noted, “What could have been resolved amicably has now turned into a legal issue—unfortunately driven by ego, status, and unchecked privilege.”