Police arrest 12 bookies in Uttar Pradesh for IPL betting linked to Dubai
Lucknow police have apprehended 12 bookies in a flat in SBI Enclave in Sushant Golf City connected to Dubai, operating online betting on IPL matches through Telegram app. They seized 45 phones, 5 laptops, and Rs 10 lakh. The accused are aged 19 to 29 years.
DCP South, Tej Swaroop Singh, reported a tip about online betting in the SBI Enclave. The police team raided and captured the accused and recovered a plethora of items. The arrested bookies were running an online betting business, connecting with people through the Telegram app and conducting transactions using QR codes.
ADCP South Shashank Singh stated that the bookies’ network expanded to Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Kolkata. Investigations unveiled Rs 10 lakh in fraudulent activity in various bank accounts of the accused, which have now been frozen. The ADCP disclosed that 25 complaints have been filed against the culprits on the NCRB portal.
The DCP named the accused and announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the police team that apprehends the bookies. The accused operated the betting scheme online, taking funds from individuals through QR codes and investing them in IPL matches. The investors received online points that could be redeemed at any time.
Overall, the Lucknow police made a significant breakthrough by apprehending 12 bookies involved in online IPL betting through Telegram app. The seizures of electronic devices, frozen bank accounts, and ongoing investigations demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to cracking down on illegal betting activities in the region.