Ahmedabad: A 26-year-old man from Mumbai was arrested by Chandkheda police for allegedly accepting live bets on the final match of cricket IPL 2026 from inside the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera on Sunday night. Police booked him under the Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act.
Details of the Arrest
According to the complaint filed by a police constable attached to Chandkheda police station, the accused was apprehended during security and surveillance operations while the IPL final between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru was underway. Police said the suspect was seated in Block K, Bay 8 of the stadium's upper tier when his activities drew suspicion. During routine patrolling around 9:40 pm, officers noticed him repeatedly using a mobile application in a manner consistent with live betting operations.
After informing senior officials, police called independent witnesses and examined the suspect's mobile phone. During the inspection, officers allegedly found a betting application named "lotus" active on the device. Investigators said the accused had logged into the platform using a specific user ID and was allegedly placing or facilitating bets on the live IPL match. During preliminary questioning, he reportedly told police that he had gained access to the betting platform through an online link.
Seized Items and Legal Action
Police seized an iPhone valued at around Rs 45,000, screenshots allegedly showing betting-related activity, and the match ticket used by the accused to enter the stadium. The FIR states that the accused was using the live match situation to allegedly facilitate betting transactions in real time from inside the venue. A case has been registered against him under Section 12(A) of the Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb illegal betting activities during major sporting events. The accused remains in custody as investigations continue.
