Raigarh, Chhattisgarh |In a major crackdown on illegal gambling activities, Raigarh Police have dismantled a large online cricket betting syndicate operating during the IPL Final between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Acting under the district-wide anti-gambling initiative known as “Operation Ankush,” authorities arrested two accused individuals and seized ₹31.99 lakh (₹3.199 million) in cash, mobile phones, and a currency-counting machine.
According to police officials, the operation was carried out jointly by the Cyber Police Station and Kharsia Police Outpost following intelligence inputs indicating that a betting network was accepting wagers on the IPL final match.
Joint Raid Leads to Major Breakthrough
Under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh, police teams conducted coordinated raids in the Ganj Bazaar area of Kharsia. During the operation, officers apprehended Gagan Agrawal and Shubham Agrawal alias Kalu, who allegedly admitted to running an online cricket betting operation and collecting betting money from local participants.
Investigators recovered a OnePlus Nord smartphone and a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, both of which reportedly contained digital evidence, betting accounts, and online gambling records linked to the syndicate.
Cash Seizure Worth Nearly ₹32 Lakh
Based on information obtained during interrogation, police raided a residence in Gopal Rice Mill Colony, located behind an SBI branch, where another accused, Sahil Agrawal, was allegedly operating part of the betting network.
Police said Sahil fled the scene after noticing law enforcement officers approaching, abandoning two bags and a currency-counting machine. In the presence of witnesses and family members, officers searched the bags and recovered ₹31,99,700 in cash, consisting of ₹500, ₹200, ₹100, and ₹50 denomination notes.
Authorities stated that no satisfactory explanation regarding the source of the money could be provided. Preliminary findings indicate that the cash was generated through illegal cricket betting activities and was subsequently seized as evidence.
Five Individuals Named in Organized Crime Case
During the investigation, arrested suspects allegedly revealed the involvement of Rikesh Rai, Arjun Rathore, and Sahil Agrawal in the betting syndicate.
Police further alleged that Sahil Agrawal used his business operations to channel betting proceeds and earn commissions from the illegal activity.
Based on the evidence collected, police have registered a criminal case against all five accused under:
- Section 7 of the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act
- Section 112(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
The charges relate to participation in an organized betting network and criminal conspiracy.
History of Criminal Involvement
Police officials disclosed that Gagan Agrawal has a previous criminal record and was reportedly involved in an earlier online betting case registered in March 2026 under the jurisdiction of Chakradharnagar Police Station.
Search Continues for Absconding Accused
Authorities have launched a search operation to locate the three absconding accused—Sahil Agrawal, Rikesh Rai, and Arjun Rathore. Investigators are also examining digital evidence recovered from the seized mobile devices to identify additional participants and financial transactions linked to the betting network.
SSP Issues Strong Warning
Commenting on the operation, SSP Shashi Mohan Singh reiterated the department’s commitment to eliminating illegal gambling activities from the district.
“Raigarh Police will continue its aggressive action against online betting under Operation Ankush. Strict legal action will be taken against every individual involved in the betting business.“
The successful operation highlights the growing focus of law enforcement agencies on tackling online gambling syndicates, particularly those exploiting high-profile sporting events such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) to conduct illegal betting activities.
