A major IPL final betting operation was uncovered in Raigarh, with police seizing ₹31.99 lakh in cash, a note-counting machine and mobile devices. Two accused have been arrested while three others remain absconding.

Raid During IPL Final

A large-scale online cricket betting racket linked to the IPL final was busted by police in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district, leading to the seizure of ₹31.99 lakh in cash and the arrest of two alleged operators. The action was carried out in the Ganj Bazar area of Kharsia following specific intelligence inputs about illegal betting activities being conducted during the high-profile cricket match.

According to police officials, the operation was jointly conducted by the local police and the cyber cell team. Authorities had received information that online betting on the IPL final was being run from a premises in the market area, with participants placing wagers using cash and digital platforms.

Two Held, Three Absconding

During the raid, police arrested Gagan Agrawal (28) and Shubham Agrawal (30). Preliminary questioning reportedly revealed that both were actively involved in conducting online cricket betting operations linked to the IPL final.

Investigators said the accused admitted that several local individuals had placed bets through the network. The interrogation also led police to identify three other alleged members of the betting syndicate — Rikesh Rai, Arjun Rathore and Sahil Agrawal — who are currently on the run.

Mobile Data Reveals Evidence

Police seized two mobile phones, including a OnePlus Nord and a Samsung Galaxy handset, from the arrested accused. Initial examination of the devices reportedly uncovered betting-related IDs, transaction details and other digital evidence connected to online cricket gambling.

Officials said cyber experts are now analysing the data recovered from the phones to determine the scale of the operation and identify additional participants or financial links.

Cash Recovery From Residence

Based on information obtained during questioning, a police team later reached a residence near SBI Bank in Gopal Rice Mill Colony, allegedly linked to Sahil Agrawal.

Police said the accused fled the location after spotting the team, leaving behind two bags and a currency-counting machine. The bags were searched in the presence of family members and independent witnesses.

₹31.99 Lakh Seized

During the search, authorities recovered ₹31,99,700 in cash comprising ₹500, ₹200, ₹100 and ₹50 denomination notes. Investigators said no valid documents could be produced to establish the legitimate source of the money.

The seizure of a note-counting machine along with the cash has strengthened suspicions that the amount may have been connected to organised betting transactions carried out during the IPL final.

Organised Syndicate Probe

Police have registered a case against Gagan Agrawal, Shubham Agrawal, Rikesh Rai, Arjun Rathore and Sahil Agrawal under provisions of the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Officials believe the accused were operating as an organised group and facilitating online betting through a structured network. The investigation is now focused on tracing money trails, identifying bettors and uncovering possible links to wider betting operations in the region.

Crackdown To Continue

Raigarh Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh said the action was part of “Operation Ankush,” an ongoing campaign against illegal online betting and gambling activities.

The SSP stated that strict action would continue against those involved in cricket betting and related illegal financial activities. Police teams are conducting searches to locate the three absconding accused and are expected to intensify surveillance during major sporting events.

The Raigarh IPL final betting case highlights the growing challenge posed by online gambling networks, particularly during marquee sporting tournaments that attract large volumes of wagers. Authorities say further arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.