Chandigarh police launched a raid in Sector 33, successfully dismantling a cricket betting syndicate linked to Dubai and arresting four suspects. According to The Print, the operation coincided with a T20 match in Jaipur between the Punjab Kings and the Mumbai Indians during the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The police revealed that the syndicate formed a "pan-India" betting network, primarily accepting bets through offline channels and settling in cash via local betting agencies. During the raid, the police seized 43 mobile phones, 6 laptops, 2 tablets, an LED display, and a WiFi router among other gambling-related equipment.
Investigators noted that some members of the syndicate are reportedly based in Dubai, indicating international connections. The operation stemmed from a tip-off received by the task force, followed by extensive lead gathering and surveillance prior to the raid.
Preliminary investigations show that the syndicate accepted bets amounting to several hundred thousand rupees daily (approximately $3500 to $12000). The police are currently tracing digital evidence and financial records to fully expose the criminal network.
The case has been formally registered, and the investigation is ongoing. The police stated that more arrests might follow and emphasized strengthening cooperation with international law enforcement agencies. This operation is one of the significant measures against the surge in illegal betting during major sports events like the IPL in the Chandigarh region.
