One held for running online cricket betting racket in Hyderabad’s Begum Bazar
HYDERABAD: Goshamahal police busted an online cricket betting racket operating from Begum Bazar and arrested a man accused of organising illegal betting activities through WhatsApp and other communication platforms.
The accused was identified as Venu Gopal Sharma, alias “Idly Venu”. Acting on credible information, a police team raided a house at Narayan Bhavan in Begum Bazar on May 29 and took him into custody.
Police said Sharma was allegedly organising cricket betting and collecting wagers from punters through intermediaries. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to conducting cricket and racecourse betting under the banner of “Godavari Associates” along with his associates.
Habitual offender, say police
Investigators said Sharma is a habitual offender and has been involved in multiple betting-related cases registered at Goshamahal and Charminar police stations.
Police alleged that he deleted WhatsApp chats linked to the betting activities in an attempt to destroy evidence and avoid detection.
Mobile phone, cash seized
During the operation, police seized a OnePlus Nord mobile phone and ₹3,000 in cash from the accused.
A case has been registered and further investigation is underway. Sharma was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
