Rourkela: A man was arrested by Hatibari police in Sundargarh district on Thursday for his alleged involvement in IPL betting. Police seized over Rs.3.95 lakh cash from the accused, identified as Gajendra Sahoo. He was apprehended during a police raid on Joketa Asanbeda village under Hatibari police station. Several others managed to flee from the scene under the cover of darkness.
Seized Items and Investigation
Three mobile phones, one car, passbooks, cheque books, Aadhar cards, a SIM card, and a memory card were recovered from the accused. According to Geetanjali Mirdha, IIC of Hatibari police station, Gajendra was using the bank account of a woman named Baijanti Sahoo (27). Hatibari police are now probing the woman's role in the case. “We are searching for other accused in this case,” said Mirdha.
Background of the Case
The arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal betting activities during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Police have intensified raids in the region to curb such practices. The seized cash and items are expected to provide further leads in the investigation.
About the Author
Malay Ray is a journalist who writes on social issues, human interest stories, startups, inventions, the environment, women empowerment, and tribal life. He has been writing for The Times of India from Rourkela and covering other areas in the Sundargarh district of Odisha for the past three years.
