Bengaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly operating an illegal online cricket betting racket linked to ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
The accused has been identified as Nikhil R, a resident of Shantinagar in Devanahalli. Police said he was previously involved in the poultry business and is currently unemployed.
According to investigators, Nikhil was allegedly facilitating online betting activities by providing user IDs and passwords to punters through an online betting platform identified as ‘PARKER777’.
Police officials stated that the accused had allegedly been organising betting activities and collecting money from members of the public for placing wagers on IPL matches.
CCB acted on specific tip-off
A senior police officer said the arrest was made after the CCB received credible information regarding illegal cricket betting activities being operated in the area.
Based on the tip-off, a special police team initiated surveillance and tracked the movements of the accused and his associates.
During the operation, investigators reportedly found evidence suggesting that Nikhil was actively involved in facilitating online betting through mobile applications and digital platforms.
Police said the accused allegedly shared betting access credentials with customers, enabling them to participate in online gambling activities connected to IPL matches.
Authorities added that mobile phone verification and digital examination played a key role in establishing the alleged betting network.
Mobile phone examination revealed evidence
During the investigation, officials examined the accused’s mobile phone and reportedly discovered information related to betting operations conducted through the online platform.
Investigators said the device contained records indicating the use of the application for distributing IDs and passwords to customers interested in cricket betting.
Police suspect that multiple individuals may have been involved in the operation, either as organisers, intermediaries or customers placing bets through the platform.
Officials are also expected to analyse financial transactions and communication records to determine the scale of the alleged betting activities and identify others linked to the network.
Online betting related to sporting events, including IPL matches, has increasingly become a concern for law enforcement agencies due to the use of digital applications and anonymous payment systems.
Police suspect wider betting network
According to police sources, the accused had allegedly built a betting network over the last four-and-a-half years with the help of friends and relatives.
Investigators believe the network may have gradually expanded through personal contacts and local connections in and around Devanahalli.
Police are now probing whether additional individuals were involved in managing betting accounts, collecting money or recruiting punters.
The accused has been taken into custody for further interrogation, and officials are expected to continue the investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged operation.
Authorities reiterated that illegal betting and gambling activities are punishable offences and warned the public against participating in unauthorised online betting platforms.
Police also stated that efforts to identify and crack down on betting syndicates operating during major sporting events would continue through special monitoring and cyber surveillance measures.
The case has once again highlighted growing concerns over the rise of online betting operations linked to popular cricket tournaments and the increasing use of technology in illegal gambling activities.