Raigarh, Chhattisgarh | May 13, 2026: In one of the biggest crackdowns on organized online cricket betting and financial crime in the region, the Raigarh Police has dismantled a large-scale betting syndicate allegedly involved in IPL gambling, hawala transactions, and money laundering operations spanning multiple cities across India.
Acting under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh, law enforcement teams from the Cyber Cell, Kotwali Police Station, and Gharghoda Police Station carried out a coordinated investigation that exposed a sophisticated criminal network allegedly converting illegal betting proceeds into “white money” through hawala channels and business fronts.
More Than ₹1 Crore in Cash Seized
Police officials confirmed the seizure of:
- ₹1,02,81,300 in cash
- One currency counting machine
- Four mobile phones
- Financial transaction records and digital evidence
The total value of seized assets is estimated at approximately ₹1.03 crore.
Authorities described the operation as a major strike against organized economic crime in the district.
Three Key Accused Arrested
The following individuals have been arrested:
- Karan Chaudhary, 29, resident of Shyam Nagar, Raigarh
- Pushkar Agrawal, 26, resident of Krishna Pride Tower, Raigarh
- Sunil Kumar Agrawal, 58, resident of Krishna Pride Tower, Raigarh
Investigators allege that Karan Chaudhary operated as a major “khaiwal” (betting operator), while Pushkar and Sunil Agrawal allegedly handled the movement and laundering of illegal cash through hawala mechanisms.
IPL Betting Network Spread Across Multiple Cities
According to police findings, the syndicate was active across several cities including Raigarh, Raipur, Bilaspur, Sakti, and even extended operations to Delhi.
Police stated that betting proceeds generated during IPL matches were routed through various business channels, including petrol pumps, medical stores, and other commercial entities, before being transferred through hawala networks.
Investigators also found that the accused allegedly avoided using their personal bank accounts and instead relied on accounts and mobile numbers belonging to employees, associates, and acquaintances to evade detection.
Earlier Raids Triggered Wider Investigation
The breakthrough came after coordinated raids conducted on April 26 by cyber and local police teams in Raigarh and Gharghoda, where six suspects linked to online IPL betting operations were initially detained.
During those raids, authorities recovered mobile phones, betting-related digital evidence, and cash. Interrogations and forensic analysis of chats, call records, and UPI transactions later led investigators to the larger syndicate allegedly headed by Karan Chaudhary and his associates.
Hawala Connection Uncovered
Police raids at Krishna Pride Tower reportedly led to the recovery of:
- ₹50 lakh from Sunil Agrawal
- ₹52.6 lakh from Pushkar Agrawal
- Multiple digital devices and financial records
Investigators believe the recovered cash represented betting proceeds that were being processed through illegal financial channels.
Authorities say electronic evidence and financial trails suggest the syndicate functioned as a structured organized crime network rather than isolated gambling activity.
Organized Crime Charges Added
Due to the scale of operations and evidence of coordinated criminal activity, police have invoked provisions related to organized crime under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), in addition to sections of the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act.
Officials confirmed that several earlier gambling-related cases had already been registered against Karan Chaudhary at Kotwali and Chakradhar Nagar police stations. Additional allegations in previous records reportedly include assault, extortion, abetment to suicide, and kidnapping-related offenses.
Another Key Accused Still Absconding
Police are actively searching for Jasmeet Singh Bagga, also known as “Gudda Sardar,” who investigators believe played a crucial operational role in managing online betting activities across Sakti, Kharsia, Raigarh, and Raipur.
Authorities believe his arrest could reveal additional links within the wider betting and financial crime network.
SSP Issues Strong Warning
SSP Shashi Mohan Singh issued a stern warning following the operation:
“No network involved in betting, hawala, black money, or organized economic crime will be spared in Raigarh district. Police action against such financial crimes will continue with full force.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and police say more arrests and disclosures are likely in the coming days.
