Hyderabad Police Bust Online Cricket Betting Racket, Seize Property Worth Rs. 36 Lakh
HYDERABAD: The SOT Rajendranagar team and RC Puram Police jointly apprehended an online cricket betting bookie and punters at Beeramguda Kaman in R C Puram under RC Puram PS limits, seizing property worth Rs. 37,84,918.
During an inquiry, officials discovered that Rama Krishna Goud (30) and his brother Upender Goud (40) were organizing online cricket betting through the website nice7777.Pro on ongoing IPL 2024 matches by approaching known punters. The operation involved betting and collecting amounts through UPI/Cash for every match.
On April 7, 2024, during the MI Vs DC match at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, and the LSG Vs GT match at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, officials received information about the usual organized betting activities. Acting on credible information, the officials apprehended M. Ramakrishna Goud, followed by Upender Goud, seizing Rs. 18,50,000 in cash along with Rs. 18,34,918 in different bank accounts received from punters. Additionally, they confiscated four mobile phones worth Rs. 1,00,000.
Out of the eight individuals booked under sections 3 & 4 of the T S Gaming Act of RC Puram PS, police arrested (2) bookies and (2) punters, while the other 4 accused, including Sonu (Main Bookie), and three other punters, absconded. However, all the bank accounts used for online betting are frozen, as per the press release.
Advisory: Identifying and Reporting Cricket Betting Apps
In the wake of increased digitalization and the allure of quick profits through cricket betting, officials have cautioned the public to stay vigilant regarding specific mobile apps known for enabling such activities, such as Bet 365, MPL, Betway, Dream Guru, among others.
Additionally, to combat the cycle of addiction, the public is urged to report any information related to cricket betting to the police through Dial 100 or Cyberabad’s WhatsApp Number 9490617444, with their identity guaranteed to remain confidential.