Pune: IPL Betting Racket in Wakad, 10 Arrested And Materials Worth Over 6 Lakh Seized
Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 6th April 2024: On Thursday (4th April), the police in Wakad apprehended 10 individuals from abroad for engaging in betting activities related to the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings. The incident occurred around 11 PM near the Phoenix Mall of the Millennium in Wakad. Police conducted a raid and confiscated materials valued at 6 lakh 58 thousand rupees.
The individuals arrested include Suryapratap Kaushal Singh (18 years old, resident of Chhattisgarh), Rajesh Chhotelal Kurabahu (25 years old, resident of Chhattisgarh), Ranjit Sarju Mukhia (20 years old, resident of Bihar), Shubham Pulsi Dharu (22 years old, resident of Chhattisgarh), Tilesh Amit Kumar Kureh (25 years old, resident Chhattisgarh), Jitu Navin Harpal (28 years old, resident of Chhattisgarh), Rahul Kumar Prakash Kumar Urao (22 years old, resident of Chhattisgarh), Yash Prasad Sahu (18 years old, resident of Chhattisgarh), Kishan Manoj Poptani (22 years old, resident of Chhattisgarh), and Samya Sukhdas Mahant (26 years old, resident of Chhattisgarh).
Additionally, Karthik alias Dinesh Ahuja (resident of Nagpur) and Ramu Boman (resident of Chhattisgarh) have been implicated under various sections of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act of 1887 and IPC Sections 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 464 (Making a false document), 465 (Punishment for forgery), 467 (Forgery of valuable security, will, etc.), 468 (Forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record), and 34 Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
According to the police, the betting activities were carried out using different betting apps during the ongoing IPL cricket match between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings. It was also discovered that Karthik Ahuja and Ramu Boman had opened bank accounts in the names of others to facilitate transactions related to cricket betting. Wakad police have confiscated materials worth 6 lakh 58 thousand rupees during the operation. Sub-Inspector of Police Atul Jadhav is overseeing further investigation into the matter.
Cricket’s Integrity Threatened by Betting
IPL betting entails placing wagers on outcomes within the Indian Premier League cricket matches. This involves predicting match winners, player performances, and various match statistics through traditional bookmakers or online platforms. However, the legality of IPL betting varies across jurisdictions. In many places, it’s considered illegal due to concerns regarding match-fixing, corruption, and unethical practices.
Betting can potentially undermine the integrity of the sport by creating incentives for players, officials, or other stakeholders to manipulate game outcomes for financial gain. It can erode the fairness and spirit of competition within cricket, tarnishing its reputation and damaging public trust. Additionally, illegal betting operations may also fund criminal activities and pose risks to participants, including financial losses and legal consequences. Authorities often enact strict regulations and penalties to combat IPL betting and preserve the integrity of the sport.
