Panchkula police have cracked down on an illegal online betting operation. Officers arrested seven people from a rented house in Sector 21. The group was actively placing bets on Women's Premier League cricket matches.
Police Raid Nets Cash and Electronics
Acting on a late-night tip-off, a police team raided the location on Monday. Detective staff led by in-charge Mandeep Singh conducted the operation. They caught the accused red-handed while bets were being placed on a match between Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru.
Police recovered significant evidence from the house. They seized Rs 7 lakh in cash along with electronic devices. The haul included four laptops, forty-six mobile phones, two computer monitors, three tablets, and a sound recorder.
Accused Identified and Charged
Authorities have named all seven arrested individuals. Anil Kumar, Pawan Mahajan, and Sameer Wadhwa hail from Chandigarh. Amit Bhatia, Nipun Arora, and Ankit Aggarwal are residents of Panchkula. Anshu Sharma comes from Jammu.
Police booked the accused under section 4(1) of the Gambling Act. Assistant Commissioner of Police Arvind Kamboj confirmed the charges. The electronic devices are now undergoing forensic analysis to trace financial transactions and identify other gang members.
Court Proceedings and Police Statements
Three accused faced court proceedings on Tuesday. Sameer Wadhwa, Pawan Mahajan, and Amit Bhatia appeared before a judge. The court granted police one-day custody for further interrogation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh Sudan provided case details. All seven accused moved to judicial custody on Wednesday. Police Commissioner Shibash Kabiraj emphasized the gang's misuse of technology.
"This gang was misleading youth and the general public by using modern technology," Kabiraj stated. "We thoroughly interrogated the accused during remand to reach the roots of this syndicate and identify where all their connections extend."
Ongoing Investigation
The police investigation continues to unfold. Officers are examining the seized devices for digital evidence. They aim to uncover the full network involved in this betting racket.
Authorities have not ruled out more arrests. The electronic analysis may reveal additional participants. Police remain committed to dismantling the entire operation.
This case highlights ongoing efforts against illegal betting in cricket. The Women's Premier League has gained popularity, attracting both legitimate fans and criminal elements. Panchkula police demonstrate vigilance in combating such activities.
