Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Police have uncovered that betting rackets in the city are being run by inter-state gangs, with masterminds operating from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Indore. The Crime Branch has busted multiple betting rings over the past few weeks, arresting 46 persons involved in the illegal activities.

Crime Branch officials said that these gangs issue instructions to local bookies, who, in turn, manage betting operations with clients. The local bookies, who maintain records and are in direct contact with punters, have been identified, but the masterminds are believed to be orchestrating the operations from outside Bhopal.

In the past week alone, the Crime Branch cracked down on over half a dozen betting rackets. During interrogation, suspects revealed that they were in regular contact with individuals from other states who were directing the betting operations. Police have traced several suspicious mobile numbers tied to the accused, and are now investigating further to identify key players behind the network.

The accused

Online cricket betting syndicate busted

The Crime Branch also busted an online cricket betting racket by arresting Hitesh Chandani (29), alias Chuppa, of Lalghati. The accused, a class 12 dropout, was operating a grocery store as a front to cover up his illegal activities.

According to ACP Mukhtar Qureshi, Hitesh ran betting operation through an online platform, using a special ID on his mobile to book and receive betting rates. His operations were linked to one Ramu Kewat, who is identified as the kingpin of the syndicate.Police have seized substantial evidence,including records of Rs 22.4 lakh in cash transactions, along with screenshots of online bookings, chat logs, and voice recordings.

Crackdown on matka betting

The Crime Branch busted a matka betting racket by arresting Bhupendra Singh Dangi (32) of Nishatpura. During a raid at JP Nagar Trisection, police seized betting numbers, booking slips, and Rs 3,300 cash from Dangi's possession.

Dangi said that he used to hand over the cash to one Rajju Ahirwar, the mastermind behind the racket. Rajju would then open the numbers for bookings. Efforts are underway to trace the fugitive kingpin, ACP Mukhtar Qureshi said.

Cops hunt for key operators

Police have cracked down on a series of betting rackets running across Bhopal, involving cricket, matka, online gaming, and even election results. Officials confirmed that masterminds are operating these illegal syndicates, with some controlling operations from other states.

In recent days, the Crime Branch has uncovered several betting rackets with stakes running into crores. Cash worth lakhs and a range of equipment used to facilitate these illicit activities have been seized.The investigation is on to identify and arrest key operators behind these betting operations.