Indore: The Crime Branch has dismantled an international online betting syndicate operating from a rented house in the city, arresting eight individuals who were allegedly placing bets on Indian Premier League (IPL) matches through a foreign-based website, police said on Wednesday.
Raid and Arrests
The accused were apprehended during a late-night raid at a house in Bapji Nagar, where they had allegedly set up a high-tech betting operation. The setup included laptops, smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and a large LED television to monitor live matches. Police confirmed that the racket was active during the IPL clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, with bets being placed on every ball and over.
Platform Used
Crime Branch officials revealed that the accused were operating through a platform called Premium Clients Book, which was allegedly used for online cricket betting and casino gambling. During the raid, officers found eight men actively handling betting transactions while watching the live match on television.
Seized Items
Police seized 23 smartphones and iPhones, three laptops, a 55-inch smart LED TV, a high-speed Wi-Fi router, 13 debit cards, and four registers containing betting records and transaction details. The total value of the seized material is estimated at approximately Rs 10.57 lakh.
Financial Trail
Investigators said the registers revealed details of transactions linked to nearly 15 accounts associated with multiple banks. The accused allegedly generated secret IDs and passwords for clients after receiving online payments through different bank accounts.
Modus Operandi
The Crime Branch officials noted that the racket was being run discreetly from the rented premises. Most of the accused maintained a low profile by working in private jobs, including delivery services.
Kingpin Identified
Police identified Kunal Das, a resident of Jabalpur currently staying in Bapji Nagar, as the kingpin of the operation. Officials said he had allegedly contacted other members through Telegram and lured them to Indore with promises of good jobs before involving them in the betting network.
Geographical Links
The arrested accused include residents of Jabalpur and Odisha’s Khurda, Nayagarh, and Bhubaneswar districts. Police suspect the syndicate may also have links extending to Dubai. Further investigation is underway to trace the financial trail, freeze bank accounts, and identify other members connected to the network.
Legal Action
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Public Gambling Act, and the IT Act. Police said this is the fourth major action by Indore Crime Branch against IPL-related online betting this season, with 19 accused arrested in four cases so far.
