IPL 2022: Two drunk cops breach bio-bubble to click pictures with players

Accused cop Ravindra Mate

In a serious breach of bio-bubble during the Indian Premier League 2022, two police constables, deputed for security, were found near players clicking pictures at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Nerul, on Monday night. The medical test revealed that both cops were in an inebriated state.

The accused cop Ravindra Mate, 33, is attached to Navi Mumbai police commissionerate, while Narendra Nagpure, 36, is attached to Thane City police commissionerate. To secure players from Covid infection a bio-bubble has been created and is maintained throughout the match.

According to Nerul police, on Monday, at around 10.40 pm, during a match between Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, two constables breached the bio-bubble and went close to the players to click pictures at G Gallery (ground floor) of the stadium. When the senior officers intervened, both started to shout and misbehave.

The cameras on the ground captured the incident, alerting top BCCI officials. Both the constables were removed from the area. During interrogation, cops found them in an inebriated state.

The constable duo was stationed outside the stadium for bandobast but they argued with the women constables stationed at G gallery and sneaked into the bio-bubble. Both were taken for a medical check-up which confirmed they were drunk. Both have been booked under section 85(1) of Maharashtra Prohibition Rules.

Several attempts to contact Senior Inspector Shyam Shinde and DCP (Zone 1) Vivek Pansare were futile. However, according to sources, both the constables have been issued a show-cause notice and will be subjected to punishment. At the beginning of IPL 2022, Navi Mumbai police had ensured top-class arrangements and security during IPL, considering the pandemic situation.

11 April
Date when the cops breached bio-bubble