What are the Consequences of the Telangana CID's Raids on Illegal Betting Apps?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Telangana CID conducted unprecedented raids across three states.
- Eight individuals were arrested for involvement in illegal betting apps.
- The operation signifies a new approach to combating online gambling.
- Legal actions against celebrities promoting illegal betting are underway.
- The government is considering stricter laws to deter illegal betting activities.
Hyderabad, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Telangana CID has executed a series of raids across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab in connection with the illegal betting apps investigation, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals, as confirmed by a senior official.
Six specialized teams from the CID targeted six specific locations within these three states.
Charu Sinha, the Additional Director General of Police for the CID, described this operation as unprecedented in nature.
The CID apprehended eight operators involved in online betting through six distinct betting apps, which led to significant financial losses for the public, she mentioned.
The apps in question include Taj0077, Fairply.live, Andhra365, Vlbook, Telugu365, and Yes365.
Numerous hardware devices have been confiscated, containing vast amounts of data during the searches. The investigation is ongoing to track down the primary culprits, who might be located abroad, according to the ADGP.
This marks the first instance where the Telangana Police have conducted raids beyond state borders as part of their crackdown on illegal betting applications.
Additionally, the state police have initiated legal actions against several celebrities for their involvement in promoting illegal betting apps.
In July, the Enforcement Directorate had filed cases against 29 celebrities in the Telugu states for endorsing these betting platforms.
The central agency had initiated an ECIR against the actors, influencers, and YouTubers for allegedly violating the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
The investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, stemmed from five FIRs filed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The ED has since interrogated film personalities such as Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Manchu Lakshm.
Most of these celebrities had previously faced charges from the Hyderabad and Cyberabad Police. FIRs were registered against them at Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam police stations.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced on March 26 that the Telangana government would form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address the issues related to betting apps and online gambling.
He emphasized the need for strict measures against betting apps and online Rummy games, highlighting the government's commitment to combatting these illegal activities.
Revanth Reddy noted that the previous BRS government enacted a law in 2017 to prohibit online gambling and betting, but it has not been effectively enforced.
The current legislation allows for a maximum sentence of only two years for offenders; therefore, the Chief Minister indicated that amendments would be made to ensure harsher penalties for organizers and participants. He believes that stringent punishment can deter such crimes.