Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) cricketer Yash Dayal faces potential arrest after a special POCSO court in Jaipur rejected his application for anticipatory bail on December 24, 2025. The decision comes in a high-profile case involving allegations of sexual assault against a minor girl. Dayal, a left-arm pacer, played a key role in RCB's maiden IPL title win in 2025. He now risks arrest as police continue their investigation into the serious charges.^[1][2][3] ### Legal Setback for Cricketer Justice Alka Bansal delivered the court's decision in Jaipur, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.^[1][3] The court stated that granting pre-arrest bail would not be appropriate at this stage.^[2] This ruling means investigators can proceed without the possibility of Dayal receiving pre-arrest protection.^[3] Public advocate Rachna Maan, representing the prosecution, argued that the accused repeatedly initiated physical contact by offering false career opportunities in cricket. She stressed that a minor's consent holds no legal validity under Indian law, especially in POCSO matters.^[1] ### Allegations of Exploitation The case stems from a complaint filed at Sanganer Sadar police station in Jaipur. The survivor, who was underage at the time of the initial alleged incidents, accused Dayal of exploiting her aspirations in cricket.^[1][2][3] She claims Dayal enticed her with promises to advance her sporting ambitions, used emotional manipulation, and engaged in non-consensual physical relations multiple times over approximately two-and-a-half years.^[1][3][4] The alleged encounters reportedly occurred at hotels in Jaipur and Kanpur.^[1][3][4] The victim was 17 years old when the first alleged incident took place in 2023. Another alleged assault occurred in April 2025 when Dayal was in Jaipur for the IPL.^[5][6][7] Investigators have identified several pieces of potential evidence. These include digital conversations, photographs, and videos retrieved from the complainant's device.^[1][3][4] Police also gathered telephone records and documentation of hotel bookings.^[1][3][4] Dayal's defense counsel, Kunal Jaiman, argued that the allegations were false. He contended that Dayal only met the girl in public spaces, never alone, and that she presented herself as an adult.^[3][4] The defense also claimed the girl demanded money due to financial issues and suggested the case aimed to harass a "respected cricketer."^[3][4][8] However, the Jaipur court emphasized that existing evidence indicates possible involvement, making anticipatory bail inappropriate.^[3][9] The court also noted the potential risk of interference with the investigation if pre-arrest protection were granted.^[3] ### Prior Allegations and Career Impact This Jaipur case marks the second serious allegation against the 27-year-old Uttar Pradesh-born bowler this year.^[5][1] An earlier First Information Report (FIR) was registered in July 2025 at Ghaziabad's Indirapuram police station.^{[1][10][11][12]} This complaint involved allegations of sexual exploitation from another woman, who claimed Dayal abused her after promising marriage during a five-year relationship.^{[5][10][11][12]} The Allahabad High Court granted a stay on arrest proceedings in the Ghaziabad case.^{[1][10][12][6]} The legal developments have thrown Dayal's cricketing career into significant uncertainty.^[3][4] Dayal has not played competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 final in June.^[4][9] He was also absent from the UP T20 League earlier this year and was not selected by Uttar Pradesh for domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy squad.^[1][2][4] Despite the seriousness of the allegations and public scrutiny, Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained Dayal for the IPL 2026 season.^{[1][2][3][4][9]} This decision has drawn criticism.^[1][2][4] If found guilty, Dayal could face a prison sentence of over 10 years.^[4][6] The ongoing investigation will now proceed without the possibility of pre-arrest relief for the cricketer.^[3]

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