Lucknow. Police have busted an interstate racket that allegedly used AI tools, graphic design software and fake barcode patterns to create counterfeit IPL match tickets and cheat cricket fans outside Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium. Four accused from Chhattisgarh have been arrested in the case, which surfaced during the Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru match on Thursday.
Fake Tickets Sold Outside Ekana Stadium
The racket came to light after a resident of Orai, identified as Pradeep Singh, came to Lucknow to watch the match. Outside the stadium, a group of youths allegedly approached him and offered to arrange tickets.
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Singh purchased two tickets after making a UPI payment of around ₹1,000. However, when he reached the entry gate, the barcode scanning system reportedly flagged the tickets as invalid. Stadium authorities informed him that the tickets were fake, after which he lodged a complaint with police.
AI and Design Tools Allegedly Used
The arrested accused have been identified as Shrikant Borkar, Nutan Kumar Sahu, Vishwajeet Sahu and Rajendra Chaudhary, all residents of the Nevai area in Durg district of Chhattisgarh.
Police said the accused were associated with technical or design-related work. Nutan Kumar Sahu had completed a polytechnic diploma in architecture, while Vishwajeet Sahu had learned 2D and 3D designing and elevation techniques through YouTube tutorials and coaching classes.
Investigators said the gang allegedly collected samples of original IPL tickets from the internet and social media platforms. They copied layouts, fonts, colour schemes, QR codes and barcode patterns before recreating them using design tools such as CorelDRAW. Officials also suspect the use of AI-based tools, including ChatGPT, to make ticket text and formatting appear authentic.
Digital Trail Leads to Arrests
Following the complaint, police examined CCTV footage from around the stadium and analysed digital payment details and mobile numbers linked to the transaction. Based on these leads, the suspects were identified and arrested near Dodankheda crossing in Lucknow.
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to selling counterfeit tickets at major cricket matches and public events in different cities. Investigators said the gang used social media platforms and messaging applications to contact potential buyers, especially those searching for last-minute tickets.
Authorities are now examining how many people may have been cheated and whether more individuals were involved in the operation. Police suspect the network may have links beyond Lucknow and could have been active during other sporting and entertainment events.
