The Anti-Extortion Squad (unit I) of Pune Police’s crime branch captured 10 individuals suspected to be part of an international betting syndicate involved in online betting on ongoing IPL matches. The raid, conducted in the Bhusari colony area of Kothrud at 9:30 pm on Saturday 13th April, led to the seizure of goods valued at Rs. 2.20 lakh.
Hindustan Times reported that the arrested individuals, identified as Mukesh Kumar Sahu (24), Devendra Yadav (21), Rahul Yadav, Rohit Yadav (26), Dushyant Sonkar (23), Sandeep Meshram (21), Akhilesh Thakur (24), Mohammad Saudagar (32), and Amit Shendge (32), have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Prohibition of Gambling Act, and Indian Telegraph Act.
Assistant Police Inspector Pravin Dhamal, the lead investigator, disclosed that the FIR was lodged at Kothrud Police Station following a joint operation between the Kothrud police and the Anti-Extortion Squad One. Dhamal explained, “The Kothrud police and Anti-Extortion Squad One were patrolling the areas within the Kothrud police station limits when they received input about the online gambling den. The anti-extortion cell team raided flat number S/5 on the first floor of Patel Terrace in right Bhusari Colony, where online betting activities were taking place,”
During the raid, the accused were found using mobile phones and laptops to engage in online cricket betting and other forms of gambling. Many were caught in the act of deceiving individuals for personal gain. Dhamal affirmed, “Further investigation is underway to unravel the network and connections of the accused involved in the illicit betting operation.”
Betting during IPL has been a common occurrence across the country. Despite the government advisory banning advertisements for offshore online betting platforms, multiple channels and newspapers have continued advertising betting platforms. Recently 3 people were arrested at Narendra Modi Stadium for betting during an IPL match. Last year Pune city police made arrests at Kharadi for running a betting racket. Last year a bar owner in Pune was also booked for running a betting racket and scamming people.