In a major breakthrough, Puri police on Wednesday uncovered an IPL betting racket operating in the district. Four individuals, including the main accused Prasanna Prusty along with other identified as Nageshwar Rao, Bishwanath Lenka, and Ramakant Sahu were arrested in connection with the illegal betting activities.
The police seized a substantial sum of Rs 25.35 lakh in cash and froze over Rs 31 lakh in 10 different bank accounts. In addition, six mobile phones used for conducting the betting were also confiscated.
The betting syndicate was found to be operating through a popular ‘Sky exchange app’. The accused used the app to receive deposits from punters who earned points, which were then used to place bets on IPL matches.
Local organisers were involved in the scheme, recruiting people into the network by paying them Rs 22,000 per month. These organisers would bring in new participants and facilitate the betting process.
Also Read: IPL betting racket busted in Odisha’s Nuapada, 5 arrested The investigation has revealed that the network operated through WhatsApp, with members coordinating bets under the guise of casual conversation. The police have initiated a case with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Puri and are currently investigating further.
The police also confirmed that the betting syndicate extended its reach to multiple districts, with locals being lured into the betting operation by promises of financial gains. Efforts to track down additional members of the syndicate are ongoing.
“The police have achieved a significant success. A gang that was entirely operating in the district, involved in IPL betting and racket operations was apprehended. The cybercrime police
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