RCB on sale? Diageo reportedly exploring sale after franchise's IPL triumph, $2 billion valuation
Bengaluru: Days after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, their current owner, Diageo Plc, is reportedly considering selling the franchise, according to a report by The Economic Times.
Sources familiar with the matter have said that Diageo, which owns RCB through its Indian subsidiary United Spirits Ltd, has begun consulting potential advisers to evaluate strategic options. These range from a partial stake sale to a full divestment. While no final decision has been made, the company is believed to be seeking a valuation of up to $2 billion for the popular franchise.
This development comes amid a broader regulatory crackdown by India’s health ministry on the indirect promotion of alcohol and tobacco brands in sports, particularly in the IPL. Diageo is reportedly reassessing its non-core assets as part of a strategic review, especially as its premium liquor business faces pressure in key markets such as the United States.
RCB was initially purchased by Vijay Mallya, then a prominent liquor baron and owner of Kingfisher Airlines. Following the collapse of Mallya’s business empire, Diageo took control of United Spirits and, subsequently, the RCB franchise.
Despite being one of the most followed teams in the IPL, thanks to stars like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Faf du Plessis, RCB had long struggled to win a title, until their recent 2025 victory.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
