Did Rajasthan Police Really Uncover a Rs 150 Crore Online Betting Racket?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan Police arrested three individuals for their involvement in a significant online betting racket.
- The gang had placed bets exceeding Rs 150 crore across multiple states.
- Seized items included six Android phones, two laptops, and an SUV with ATM cards.
- The group operated around 30 fraudulent websites.
- Over 60,000 agents and players were involved in the illegal betting operation.
Jaipur, June 3 (NationPress) Rajasthan Police have apprehended three individuals, including a software engineer, unveiling a significant online cricket betting operation. This syndicate had reportedly placed wagers exceeding Rs 150 crore nationwide, with connections extending across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and several other states.
The authorities confiscated six Android phones, two laptops, a hard drive, and an SUV containing 15 ATM cards. Alwar SP Sanjeev Nain stated that the culprits deceived individuals by creating fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate online betting applications.
Among the items seized were six Android devices, two laptops, a hard drive, 15 ATM cards from various financial institutions, and an SUV.
As per police reports, the gang established approximately 30 websites designed to function similarly to the Mahadev Satta app.
The platforms offered bets on multiple sports, including the IPL, alongside online casinos and matka games in locations such as Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Delhi, and Jodhpur.
The suspects played a crucial role in the operation, spanning from development to distribution and laundering illicit funds. Over 60,000 agents and players participated in this scheme, valued at Rs 150 crore. Profits from betting were circulated online and via hawala, contributing to real estate purchases in various cities.
A team from Udyog Nagar Police Station initiated action against Head Constable Sandeep in the cyber cell based on intelligence input.
Upon returning from Agra after a blockade, Nitin Paliwal was intercepted and questioned. A case was filed based on information obtained from his mobile device and laptop. During the investigation, Mahesh Sharma and Piyush Sharma were also arrested in Mathura.
They were apprehended after inquiries and evidence from their devices indicated their participation in the organized betting network. The arrested individuals include Nitin Paliwal from Scheme No. 10B in Alwar, Mahesh Sharma from Apnaghar Shalimar, and Piyush Sharma from Shivaji Park.
The police have secured a four-day remand for the accused, with further investigations underway. If evidence confirms the proceeds stem from organized crime, assets will be seized under the Indian Penal Code. Authorities are also collecting information regarding additional gang members and associates.