Wankhede security manager arrested for alleged theft of 261 IPL jerseys

Published - 29 Jul 2025, 21:27 IST | Updated - 29 Jul 2025, 22:01 IST

A security manager at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium has been arrested for allegedly stealing 261 Indian Premier League (IPL) jerseys worth INR 6.52 lakh from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s official merchandise store. The accused, 43-year-old Farooque Aslam Khan, a resident of Mira Road, was arrested recently and is currently out on bail, as per the police.

The theft occurred on June 13, 2025, when Khan allegedly walked out of the BCCI’s storeroom at Wankhede with a large carton containing the jerseys. These were IPL 2025 jerseys, each valued at around INR 2,500. The crime was unnoticed until a routine inventory audit in July revealed stock discrepancies. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, BCCI officials spotted Khan leaving with the box, raising suspicion and leading to a formal police complaint on July 17 at the Marine Drive Police Station.

According to police sources, Khan sold many of the stolen jerseys online to a dealer based in Haryana. Investigations revealed that he contacted the dealer through social media and claimed the items were being sold as part of a stock clearance due to renovation work at the BCCI premises.

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Police recovered 50 of the 261 stolen jerseys from Khan’s possession. During questioning, Khan admitted to using the proceeds from the sales to fund his online gambling addiction. The funds were transferred directly into his bank account.

The dealer from Haryana, who purchased the jerseys, told police he was unaware that the merchandise was stolen. He has been summoned for further questioning. Meanwhile, the authorities are still investigating whether the stolen items were meant for IPL players or public sale through BCCI’s official merchandise channels.

Khan has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to theft and criminal breach of trust. The case has also triggered concerns about the internal security and audit mechanisms at venues like Wankhede.