RAIGARH Police have unearthed an alleged online cricket betting syndicate and seized Rs 31.99 lakh in cash during a major crackdown conducted under “Operation Ankush” following intelligence inputs about betting on the IPL final between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Acting under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh, teams from the Cyber Police Station and Kharsia Outpost conducted simultaneous raids in Kharsia’s Ganj Bazaar area. Two accused, identified as Gagan Agrawal, 28, and Shubham Agrawal alias Kalu, 30, were arrested during the operation. Police said the accused allegedly admitted to operating online cricket betting activities and disclosed the names of associates Rikesh Rai, Arjun Rathore and Sahil Agrawal. Investigators seized a OnePlus Nord and a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone, which reportedly contained betting-related digital evidence. Based on information gathered during interrogation, police raided a house near SBI Bank in Gopal Rice Mill Colony.

 

According to investigators, Sahil Agrawal fled after spotting the police team, leaving behind two bags and a currency-counting machine. A search conducted in the presence of witnesses led to the recovery of Rs 31,99,700 in cash. Police stated that no satisfactory explanation regarding the source of the money was provided. Preliminary investigation suggested that the cash was allegedly linked to online betting operations and was subsequently seized. An offence has been registered against all five accused under Section 7 of the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act and Sections 112(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Three accused remain absconding and efforts are underway to trace them. Police records indicate that Gagan Agrawal had previously figured in an online betting case registered earlier this year in the Chakradhar Nagar police station area. Raigarh SSP Shashimohan Singh said the campaign against online betting would continue with strict legal action against all those involved.