Rajasthan Police have arrested three individuals, including a software engineer, in connection with a sprawling online cricket betting network valued at over Rs 150 crore. These arrests were part of a crackdown on illegal online gambling. 

The gang operated across several states, such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, exploiting the popularity of sports events to lure users into placing bets on illicit websites.

Multi-State Operation Busted

The targeted operation was based on an intelligence tip-off from a cyber cell. A team from Udyog Nagar Police Station intercepted a suspect named Nitin Paliwal while he was returning from Agra. After inspecting his phone and laptop, police uncovered critical data leading to the registration of a case and further arrests. Two more individuals, Mahesh Sharma and Piyush Sharma, were apprehended from Mathura.

All three accused were found to be key players responsible for website development, user management, and the laundering of illicit gains. Alwar Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Nain stated that they modeled nearly 30 websites after the infamous Mahadev Satta app. These platforms were used to facilitate bets on cricket and other sports, in addition to hosting virtual casinos and matka games.

Digital Trail and Seizures

The police seized six Android mobile phones, two laptops, a hard drive, an SUV, and 15 ATM cards from the culprits. These devices and financial instruments were used to manage transactions, recruit users, and facilitate payouts through a network of over 60,000 agents. 

The arrested individuals in this case have been identified as Nitin Paliwal of Scheme No. 10B in Alwar, Mahesh Sharma of Apnaghar Shalimar, and Piyush Sharma of Shivaji Park. They are currently in four-day police custody as further investigations continue.

Legal Action and Ongoing Probe

Authorities hope to invoke provisions of the Indian Penal Code related to organized crime and money laundering. If sufficient evidence is found linking the betting profits to illicit activities, the police will initiate seizure proceedings under applicable laws. This case highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime and the growing use of digital platforms to conduct illegal betting operations. 

The accused were found to be deeply embedded in the system, playing roles from software development to fund distribution. Rajasthan Police are currently gathering more information about the gang’s extended network, including agents, distributors, and financial backers. Further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses. Law enforcement agencies urge the public to report suspicious betting activities and call for stronger cybercrime prevention measures at the national level.