In a significant crackdown on illegal online gambling, the Ravet police in Pune have dismantled a betting operation, arresting three individuals from a rented apartment in Punawale. The raid, conducted on Sunday, led to the seizure of material worth Rs 2.86 lakh and exposed a network using a banned application to accept wagers.
The Tip-Off and Raid
Acting on specific intelligence provided by vigilant residents of the housing society, Assistant Inspector Sandip Deshmukh of the Ravet police led a team to raid the suspect flat. The operation was carried out on Sunday, following the tip-off received by the authorities.
The three arrested men, who hail from three different Indian states, had been residing in the Punawale housing complex on rent for approximately one and a half years. This long-term stay allowed them to establish their illegal operations under the radar.
Modus Operandi of the Betting Racket
Investigations revealed that the trio was actively accepting bets from customers through a specific online betting application that has been prohibited by authorities. Their method of operation was systematic and designed to obscure the money trail.
According to police officer Deshmukh, the suspects received bank details and SIM cards from their handlers, which were linked to mule bank accounts. These are accounts typically opened with fake or forged documents. The betting money collected from customers was then funneled through these accounts to two main handlers who managed the racket from behind the scenes.
Ongoing Investigations and Seizure
The police successfully recovered material and evidence from the flat valued at Rs 2.86 lakh. This seizure is a crucial part of the case as the authorities work to trace the entire network.
"Our investigations are on," stated Assistant Inspector Deshmukh, indicating that the police are delving deeper into the racket to identify and apprehend the handlers and possibly uncover more connections. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing digital gambling operations that exploit technology and financial loopholes.
