The crime branch of Goa Police detained two individuals involved in an online cricket betting racket during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

The Herald reported about the operation which unfolded in Shirgal, Dhargal, and Pernem, with Police Inspector Rahul T. Parab and Police Sub-Inspector Girish T. Padloaskar leading the charge alongside their team.

The raid, conducted between 9:10 PM and 11:00 PM, resulted in the arrest of two suspects from Gujarat. They are Pratik, a 29-year-old resident of Surat, and Mihirbhai, also 29, hailing from Gujarat. The Goan mentioned that they were apprehended while accepting online bets during the IPL match between Lucknow SuperGiants and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

During the raid, law enforcement officers seized important evidence, including laptops, mobile phones, and other gambling-related items, with an estimated value of Rs. 1,50,000. Both individuals were taken into custody but later released on bail.

Subsequent investigations have revealed that the two accused were part of a larger criminal network, with another key suspect allegedly serving as the mastermind behind the unlawful betting operation. The Goa Police Crime Branch, under the leadership of PI Rahul T. Parab, is actively pursuing leads to locate and arrest this individual. Earlier in March his team raided and arrested three people for cricket betting.

The police stated that the accused engaged in betting activities by sharing an app link on social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp to trap customers.