Bengauru: In a viral video that has taken social media platforms by storm in state’s capital Bengaluru, two youths are seen being abused and kicked by local policeman allegedly for driving rashly and pulling bike stunts on busy road in the city. In the video the youths are being beaten by civilian with a cricket bat in the presence of police.

The two youngsters have been identified as Mohammed Shahid (18) and Huzaif, residents of Padarayanapura.

According to the reports the local residents in the city had complained to the policeman about two youngsters pulling dangerous bike stunts in the locality and had reported that several pedestrians had narrowly escaped injuries.

The two policemen reportedly stopped the youngsters and warned them to not pull the stunts on the roads but as soon as they were allowed to go the duo sped up their way and pulled a stunt again, locals alleged.

The police then alleged got hold of them and reportedly assaulted them. In the video one of the policemen is seen using abusive words and kicking the youngsters on their face while they plead apologies for their act.

A civilian man then jumps out of the crowd and assaults the two youngsters with a cricket bat as they whimper in pain before the policeman intercepts and stop the civilian from assaulting the duo.

"We have secured the person who had assaulted the riders with a cricket bat. The policeman who had intervened has also been identified," senior Bengaluru police officer Dr Bhemshankar Guled said while reacting to the incident after it went viral social media platforms.

Several soial media users have criticised the behavior of policemen on the scene and have demanded action by the department against the personnel.

One of the youngster assaulted by the police, Mohammed Shahid has alleged that he was not pulling the stunts on the road and added that the police had falsely targetted him and his friend while others were carrying out the stunts on road.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Bengaluru (PTI): A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) on Tuesday acquired 100 percent equity stake in IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a whopping USD 1.78 billion (approximately Rs 16,706 crore) from its current owner the United Spirits Limited.

Other parties involved in the group are -- Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE, a firm of which Viral Patel is the CEO, Bolt Ventures, owned by American investor David Blitzer, and media conglomerate Times of India.

“United Spirits Limited, pursuant to the meeting of its Board of Directors, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the sale of the 100 percent equity stake held in its wholly owned subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) to a consortium,” the USL said in a statement.

“The consortium comprises Aditya Birla Group (ABG), The Times of India Group (Times), Bolt Ventures (Bolt), and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE (Blackstone) for a total consideration of INR 166.6 bn in an all cash transaction,” the statement added.

The transaction includes RCB's men’s and women’s (WPL) teams.

“RCSPL owns and operates Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchises that participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL).

“Upon completion of this transaction, the consortium will, through its ownership of RCSPL, acquire the rights to own and operate the IPL and WPL franchise,” said the USL.

The announcement also concluded the strategic review of RCSPL that was initiated by USL on November 5, 2025.

The United Spirits Limited is a subsidiary of UK-Diageo, and they were keen to move away from RCB as the team was not central to their business plans.

Commenting on the transaction, Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO, USL, said: “This transaction marks an important milestone for USL as we sharpen focus on our core beverage alcohol business to unlock its true potential. RCB has grown into the most prominent and commercially successful franchise in the IPL and WPL.

“We are excited for the future of RCB under the stewardship of the new owner. As Sports enters a new phase of growth in India & globally, we believe this is in the best interest of the franchise and our stakeholders.”

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said, “Over the past 2 decades, the IPL has morphed to become a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket creating enormous value for India.

“RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport.”

As per the sale agreement, Aryaman Vikram Birla, ABG’s director, will be the chairman of RCB while Satyan Gajwani of Times of India will be his deputy.

Aryaman Birla, said: “It is a privilege to come together in this partnership to shape the next phase of growth for RCB. This partnership brings together a deep understanding of sports, media and consumer businesses.

“Together, we will continue to Play Bold -- on the pitch, in the community, and for the fans who make RCB what it is.”

Gajwani, Chairman, Times Internet Limited, said: “RCB is the reigning champion and the most popular brand in the IPL. We will build RCB into a global sporting institution, while remaining rooted in Bengaluru and Karnataka and its incredible fanbase.”

Blitzer hoped to build on RCB’s recent success.

“RCB has a world-class fanbase, and the IPL is one of the great growth stories in global sport. Having invested in clubs and leagues around the world, I believe the opportunity at RCB stands out.

We look forward to working alongside our partners and the BCCI to build on the franchise’s championship success,” he said.

Patel praised the RCB as one of the strongest sporting brands in the world.

“We are excited to invest in RCB, building on Blackstone’s long-standing commitment to India. RCB stands out as one of the most popular sports franchises in the world with a powerful brand, a loyal fan base, and multiple avenues for growth,” he added.

However, formalities such as ratification from the BCCI, IPL Governing Council, its WPL counterpart and the Competition Commission of India are still pending.

Earlier, IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals was acquired by US-based Kal Somani-led consortium for USD 1.63 billion (approx Rs 15,290 crore),

The Somani-led consortium includes Rob Walton from the Walmart family and Hamp family (Ford motor company).

Somani is an Arizona-based tech entrepreneur who has founded IntraEdge (technology services and solutions), Truyo.Ai (data privacy rights and AI governance) and Academian (edtech services).

The other contenders to buy the team, which won the inaugural trophy in 2008, were the Times Internet-led consortium, the Aditya Birla Group and the Mittal family led by ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal.