IPL Betting Racket Busted In Odisha’s Puri; Four Arrested, Rs 25 Lakh Seized
Police recovered Rs 25.35 lakh in cash from the accused and froze Rs 31.81 lakh across 10 bank accounts linked to the racket: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: In a significant crackdown on illegal betting, police in Odisha’s Puri district on Wednesday unearthed an Indian Premier League (IPL) betting racket, arresting four persons and seizing substantial cash and digital evidence linked to the operation.
The accused, identified as Prasanna Prusty—alleged to be the key organiser—along with Nageshwar Rao, Bishwanath Lenka and Ramakant Sahu, were apprehended following coordinated raids by the Cyber Crime Police Station and a special police team.
Police recovered Rs 25.35 lakh in cash from the accused and froze Rs 31.81 lakh across 10 bank accounts linked to the racket. Six mobile phones used to facilitate betting activities were also seized.
According to investigators, the syndicate operated through an application referred to as ‘Sky Exchange,’ enabling users to deposit money that was converted into virtual points for placing bets on IPL matches under multiple conditions. The operation relied heavily on digital platforms, with WhatsApp used to coordinate transactions and betting instructions discreetly.
The network had a structured hierarchy, involving local organisers who recruited participants and managed transactions. These organisers were reportedly paid around Rs 22,000 per month as commission. Police said the racket extended beyond Puri, with links to multiple districts, drawing in participants with promises of quick and easy financial gains.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the financial transactions linked to the network run into crores of rupees, pointing to a wider and more organised betting ecosystem.
Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said the arrests followed sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering. “The gang was operating within the district with an organised structure. Simultaneous raids led to the arrest of four key accused and seizure of cash and digital evidence. Further links are being probed,” he said.
Police have also identified a suspected kingpin, referred to as the ‘boss’, who allegedly handled larger financial flows. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and laws governing illegal money circulation and lottery activities. Further investigation is ongoing.
