In a significant crackdown on illegal gambling, the Sri Sathya Sai district police dismantled a cricket betting operation in Hindupur, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of Rs 13.2 lakh in cash. The operation was conducted based on a tip-off received by the Hindupur rural police.
Details of the Raid
According to Hindupur Additional Superintendent of Police KV Mahesh, Hindupur Rural Circle Officer Chandra Anjaneyulu and his team acted on specific intelligence and carried out a surprise raid at a den located near the Thumukunta industrial area. The accused were caught red-handed while actively engaged in cricket betting activities.
Accused Identified
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sandeep Kumar Reddy (32), Thimma Reddy (33), and Y Srinivas Reddy (37). All three are residents of the Hindupur area. The police have registered a case under Section 9(1) of the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974.
Motive Behind the Crime
Preliminary police interrogations revealed that the accused turned to these anti-social activities in a bid to make easy money to fund their personal vices. The additional SP warned that such illegal operations would not be tolerated and that repeat offenders would face stringent action.
Strict Warning to Offenders
Warning repeat offenders, the Additional SP stated that anyone found consistently participating in or facilitating such operations will face stringent organised crime charges under Section 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This provision allows for tougher penalties, including longer imprisonment terms, for those involved in habitual criminal activities.
The police have urged the public to report any suspicious betting activities to the local authorities to help curb the menace of illegal gambling in the region.
