Raigarh, Chhattisgarh | In one of the biggest crackdowns on illegal online cricket betting operations in Central India, Raigarh Police in Chhattisgarh has dismantled a large interstate betting syndicate allegedly connected to hawala transactions, offshore betting IDs, and organized digital gambling networks.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh, whose cyber and local police teams traced the network from Raigarh and Raipur to a rented luxury villa in Goa, where six alleged betting operators were arrested during a coordinated raid.
Six Key Operators Arrested in Goa Raid
The arrested suspects have been identified as:
- Amit Mittal (30), resident of Kharsia, Raigarh district
- Mohit Somani (38), resident of Azad Chowk, Raipur
- Prakash Wadhwani (28), resident of Azad Chowk, Raipur
- Akash Motwani (31), resident of Maudhapar area, Raipur
- Rahul Khandelwal alias “Babu” (36), resident of Telibandha, Raipur
- Sulabh Khandelwal alias “Chhota Babu” (33), resident of Azad Chowk, Raipur
Police seized 10 mobile phones and multiple digital records from the suspects. Authorities said several accused were allegedly attempting to destroy phones, laptops, betting records, and transaction diaries before the raid was conducted.
Investigation Expanded After Earlier Arrests
The investigation intensified after the arrest of Karan Chaudhary alias Karan Agrawal, Pushkar Agrawal, and Sunil Agrawal in cases registered at Kotwali Police Station under the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act.
During interrogation, police reportedly discovered links involving hawala money transfers and connections to a betting network operated by Amit Mittal and other associates. Technical surveillance by the Cyber Police Station and Kotwali Police later revealed interstate movement and operations extending through Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Goa.
How the Betting Network Operated
According to investigators, the syndicate used three primary methods to run illegal IPL betting operations:
- “Abhinandan Book/Line” Betting System
The accused allegedly received live betting rates and session odds from operators based in Raipur through a system known as “Abhinandan Book/Line.” These odds were then distributed to lower-level agents and gamblers through APK-based Zoom applications and calling platforms.
- Delayed Broadcast Exploitation
Police said the operators used modified APK television applications such as “Pragati TV App” and “Star Live,” which allegedly streamed cricket matches several seconds ahead of regular television broadcasts. This timing advantage reportedly allowed bookies to manipulate betting odds in real time before the public feed updated.
- Betting Exchange Applications
Authorities stated that the syndicate also provided betting IDs through platforms such as “All Panel Exchange,” “Taj 777,” and “Diamond Exchange,” operating in a manner similar to the infamous Mahadev betting app network.
Links to “Mannu Nathani” Betting Syndicate
Technical examination of mobile devices and digital communication allegedly revealed links to the well-known “Mannu Nathani” betting syndicate, believed to be active across Central India.
Police said the accused functioned as agents and sub-agents, obtaining betting IDs from higher-level operators and distributing them to local gamblers and smaller betting handlers. Investigators believe the operators earned commissions of up to 10 percent on betting transactions.
Preliminary findings indicate that the network may have handled transactions worth several crores of rupees during a single IPL season.
Hawala Money Trail Under Investigation
Authorities also uncovered evidence suggesting that the syndicate used hawala channels for transferring betting proceeds. Police reportedly found serial numbers of currency notes shared through mobile phones to verify and coordinate cash-based settlements without formal banking systems.
Officials noted that more than ₹1 crore in cash had already been seized in earlier phases of the investigation.
Dubai Links and Interstate Operations
Investigators suspect that betting IDs and digital gambling infrastructure were sourced from operators based in Dubai, similar to the operational structure used by the Mahadev betting app syndicate.
The betting network allegedly expanded through major Indian cities including Nagpur, Raipur, and other parts of Central India, where local agents distributed betting access to players and smaller bookies.
Previous Criminal Records
Police confirmed that several of the arrested suspects already had criminal records related to online betting and gambling offenses registered in Raigarh, Raipur, Kharsia, Chakradhar Nagar, and Gharghoda police jurisdictions.
Authorities are now examining the wider financial channels, digital infrastructure, and interstate connections associated with the network.
SSP Shashi Mohan Singh’s Statement
Speaking on the operation, SSP Shashi Mohan Singh said:
«“Raigarh Police is carrying out aggressive action against organized crime, online betting, and hawala networks. Strict legal action will be taken against every individual involved in such illegal activities. Technology-based criminals will not be spared under any circumstances.”»
Police stated that the crackdown is ongoing and further arrests are expected as investigators continue tracing the syndicate’s financial and digital links across multiple states.
