Hyderabad, may 10
In a significant crackdown, the Special Operations Team (SOT) of Cyberabad has successfully dismantled three interstate online IPL cricket betting rackets. The operation resulted in the seizure of a staggering amount of approximately 1.84 crores in cash and frozen bank accounts. Additionally, 36 mobile phones, 3 laptops, 1 tablet, and 1 Jio router were confiscated as crucial evidence. The diligent efforts of the police led to the arrest of 7 bookies, and criminal cases have been filed in three police stations: RGIA PS, Rajendranagar PS, and Narsingi PS.
This operation marks one of the most substantial breakthroughs in recent times, exposing and curtailing illegal IPL betting activities. The details of the cases are as follows:
- SOT Shamshabad and RGIA PS: The team apprehended Podapati Narsing Rao, a sub-bookie, and identified two main bookies, Ganapathi Reddy from Bangalore, Karnataka, and Srinivas Raju from East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh (both absconding). Narsing Rao provided access to punters through various apps like Vajra777.com, vajra exchange, Metro Exchange, Radhe exchange, focus book247, varma777 App, etc., in exchange for money. Punters from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka participated in the illegal betting. The mode of transactions involved digital platforms such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and cash. The police seized a net cash amount of Rs. 60,00,000/-, frozen Rs. 32,00,000/- in bank accounts, and 2 mobile phones.
- SOT, Rajendranagar and PS Rajendranagar: The main bookie, Vegesina Ravi Raju, and sub-bookie Bhupatiraju Prasad Raju were caught while organizing online cricket betting using apps like Radhe Exchange and Cricket Live Guru. These bookies were involved in facilitating betting activities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Payments were made through digital platforms like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and cash transactions. The police confiscated a net cash amount of Rs. 71,50,000/-, frozen Rs. 7,37,000/- in bank accounts, 17 mobile phones, and 2 laptops.
- SOT, Balanagar and PS Narsingi: The accused, K. Vinod Kumar, and the absconding sub-bookie Srikanth Reddy provided access to online cricket betting apps like National Exchange9/Topaz777.com to punters. Transactions were conducted through digital platforms and cash. The police seized a net cash amount of Rs. 7,52,000/-, 17 mobile phones, 1 tablet, 1 Jio router, and 1 laptop.
The Cyberabad Police highlighted several advisory points to create awareness among the public. The rise in cricket betting due to digitalization has led to a dangerous cycle of addiction and financial losses for punters. The police urged vigilance regarding specific mobile apps associated with illegal betting and cautioned against the potential cyber theft of personal data and unauthorized money transfers. It was also noted that victims, burdened by losses, often resort to taking loans or selling properties. Citizens were encouraged to share any information related to betting activities with the Cyberabad Police.
The successful operation received commendation from Mr. M. Stephen Raveendra, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, who appreciated the dedicated efforts of the police team.
