Raipur Online Betting Racket: Three Held, Business Links Suspected

Raipur online betting racket bust sees three arrests; probe into ‘Teen Panel 777’ network and possible links to businessmen intensifies

 In a fresh crackdown on illegal online gambling, police in Raipur have arrested three individuals allegedly running an organised betting syndicate under the name “Teen Panel 777”. The Raipur online betting racket, officials say, may have links to influential business circles in the city, prompting a wider probe.

The arrests were made on Tuesday in the Telibandha police station area. The accused have been identified as Naman Jaggi, Ayush Jain and Mohammad Sarfaraz. Acting on their inputs, police have detained nine more suspects for questioning, as the investigation begins to widen.

Network under scanner

According to officials familiar with the matter, the accused were operating multiple online betting platforms simultaneously. These platforms functioned through a layered system of “master IDs” and sub-panels, allowing users to place bets while masking the identity of operators.

Preliminary findings suggest the network had been running in a structured manner for some time. “Initial reports indicate a well-coordinated setup, with clear roles assigned within the syndicate,” a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity.

Digital trail and seizures

During the operation, police seized several electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops, along with betting records and documents linked to financial transactions running into crores. Two cars and a small amount of cash were also recovered.

Investigators are now examining the digital evidence to map out the extent of the operation and identify other beneficiaries. “The documents recovered are being analysed. They could reveal the scale of transactions and those involved,” an official said.

Business links suspected

One of the more significant angles emerging from the probe is the possible involvement of local businessmen and jewellers. Sources said the accused may have been in contact with individuals from the सर्राफा (bullion) and hotel sectors.

While officials have not confirmed any names, they indicated that this aspect is under active investigation. “We are verifying financial linkages. If there are connections with larger कारोबारी groups, action will follow accordingly,” a police official noted.

Social media role

Investigators believe the network relied heavily on messaging platforms and social media to expand its reach. Users were reportedly added through invitation links and then assigned unique IDs to participate in betting activities.

The ease of access and anonymity offered by such platforms has made online betting networks harder to track, officials admitted. However, they added that sustained surveillance helped in building the case against the accused.

Earlier arrest of mastermind

The latest arrests come weeks after the arrest of alleged mastermind Babbu Khemani—also known as Gulshan Khemani—on April 17 from Mumbai. Police had then described him as a key figure behind a high-profile betting operation inspired by popular illegal apps.

Khemani was linked to an online platform named “3 Stumps”, reportedly modelled on similar betting applications. Authorities had seized assets worth around ₹60 lakh, including a luxury car, during that कार्रवाई.

International angle probed

The investigation into Khemani also revealed a possible international dimension, particularly links to Dubai. Officials are examining whether overseas connections played a role in funding or operating the network.

There were also indications that Khemani had interacted with former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi during his travels. However, police clarified that no direct link between that meeting and the betting operations has been established so far.

Image-building strategy

Sources involved in the probe said Khemani projected himself as a successful influencer on social media, showcasing a lavish lifestyle. This, they believe, helped him attract followers and lure them into betting networks under the guise of match predictions, particularly during Indian Premier League seasons.

“Users were drawn in through prediction tips and then redirected to betting panels,” a source said.

Investigation continues

Police officials indicated that further arrests in the Raipur online betting racket are likely in the coming days. The focus remains on dismantling the entire network and identifying its financial backbone.

A detailed disclosure of the matter is expected later in the evening, as investigators continue questioning suspects and analysing seized material.

Raipur Police Bust Nigeria-Linked Drug Racket, 2 Held in Delhi

Nigeria-linked drug racket exposed as cocaine was shipped to Raipur in BP machine boxes; two accused, including a Nigerian national, arrested

A cross-border drug trafficking network with links to Nigeria has been unearthed by the Raipur Police, with two key accused arrested from Delhi earlier this week. Investigators say the racket involved smuggling cocaine concealed inside blood pressure (BP) machine boxes and delivering it through courier channels to avoid detection.

The arrests, made on May 2, mark a significant development in an ongoing crackdown on synthetic drugs supply chains extending into Chhattisgarh.

Cocaine hidden in devices

According to officials, the accused used seemingly innocuous medical equipment packaging to transport cocaine. The contraband was hidden inside BP machine boxes, a tactic that helped the parcels pass routine scrutiny during transit.

Initial findings suggest the consignments were dispatched from Delhi to Raipur and possibly other cities using courier services. “The packaging was designed to avoid suspicion,” an official familiar with the investigation said.

Breakthrough from March arrest

The case traces back to March 19, when police arrested a local suspect near a private hospital in Raipur’s Devendra Nagar area. He was found carrying 4.55 grams of cocaine, valued at over ₹2.27 lakh.

Subsequent searches led to the seizure of a vehicle and a mobile phone, with the total recovery in that case pegged at more than ₹20 lakh. During questioning, the accused reportedly revealed links to a wider supply chain.

Technical analysis and interrogation pointed towards an organised network operating beyond state boundaries.

Delhi operation and arrests

Acting on these leads, a Raipur police team travelled to Delhi and conducted a raid in Tilak Nagar. Two accused — identified as Sunny Sharma and Tochukwu Afame, also known as Prince Charles — were taken into custody.

Afame, a Nigerian national, is believed to have direct links with handlers operating from Nigeria. Police records indicate he had previously been jailed in Delhi in 2024–25 for visa violations.

Investigators say both accused admitted to being part of an international drug syndicate during questioning.

Network run from abroad

Sources said the operation was being coordinated by an personidentified as “Chichi”, believed to be based in Nigeria. He allegedly managed logistics and supply routes, while local operatives in India handled payments and distribution.

Sunny Sharma’s role, according to officials, involved facilitating financial transactions. He allegedly allowed his bank accounts to be used for routing drug money in exchange for commission.

Authorities are now tracking these financial trails to identify other members of the network.

Seizures and financial trail

During the Delhi operation, police seized cash amounting to ₹9.70 lakh, along with five iPhones, three cheque books, and other items. The total value of the recovered material is estimated at around ₹11 lakh.

Officials believe the network has handled transactions worth over ₹2 crore in the past six months. These figures are based on preliminary scrutiny of bank accounts linked to the accused.

Wider crackdown underway

The Anti Crime and Cyber Unit of Raipur Police has intensified its operations against narcotics this year. In 2026 alone, 93 accused have been arrested in 36 cases registered under the NDPS Act.

Police say the latest thing has dealt a major blow to an “end-to-end” cocaine supply chain. However, they also acknowledge that further arrests may follow as the investigation expands.

Case registered, probe continues

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act at Devendra Nagar police station. Officials said efforts are on to identify additional links in other states and trace the full extent of the network.

The Nigeria-linked drug racket remains under active investigation, with agencies focusing on courier routes, digital communications, and financial transactions tied to the accused.

Constable dies after stone surgery in Bilaspur; kin allege medical negligence

BILASPUR: Tensions flared at a private hospital in Bilaspur on Saturday after a 36-year-old police constable, admitted for a routine kidney stone procedure, passed away following the surgery. The family of the deceased has alleged gross medical negligence, leading to high drama and protests on the hospital premises, while the management maintains the death was caused by a sudden cardiac arrest.

The deceased, identified as Satyakumar Patle, a resident of Eramshahi village in the Masturi area, was posted as a constable at the Sarkanda police station. The incident occurred at Shri Ram Care Hospital located in the Nehru Nagar locality under the Civil Lines police jurisdiction.

Sudden health complications post-surgery

According to sources, Patle complained of severe abdominal pain on April 26, after which he approached the hospital for a check-up. Following diagnostic tests, doctors confirmed the presence of a stone and advised immediate surgery. His associates stated that a surgery package was finalized for ₹40,000.

Patle was admitted on April 28, and the procedure was carried out the following day. Initially, the doctors informed the family that the surgery was successful and the patient was recovering well. Reports indicate that Patle was conscious and communicating with his relatives throughout Thursday and Friday morning.

Family alleges delayed response

The situation took a turn for the worse on Friday evening when Patle began experiencing breathing difficulties and persistent coughing. Ashish, a friend of the deceased, alleged that the hospital staff was alerted immediately, but no specialist doctor attended to him for several hours.

"He was fine after the operation. When the coughing started, we repeatedly informed the nursing staff, but there was a significant delay in treatment. His condition deteriorated because they ignored him for four to five hours," Ashish claimed. By the time medical intervention intensified, Patle had to be shifted to a ventilator.

Clashes and heavy police deployment

As news of the constable's death spread on Saturday afternoon, a large number of relatives and villagers gathered at the hospital. Protesters accused the hospital management and the operating surgeons of negligence, demanding an immediate FIR against those responsible.

The protest prompted a heavy police deployment to prevent any untoward incident. Civil Lines TI SR Sahu arrived at the spot, followed by senior officials including Additional SP (City) Pankaj Patel and ASP (Rural) Madhulika Singh. The officers spent several hours pacifying the agitated family, assuring them of a fair investigation based on the post-mortem findings.

Hospital cites cardiac arrest

Refuting the allegations of medical negligence, the hospital management issued a statement claiming that the surgical procedure was standard and successful. They stated that the patient’s clinical parameters were stable post-op, but he suffered a sudden, massive heart attack on Friday evening.

Despite being put on life support and receiving intensive care, he could not be revived. The management also reportedly told the family at one point that an infection had reached the kidneys, necessitating dialysis, though the primary cause of death is being maintained as cardiac failure.

Police await post-mortem report

The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday. Police officials have stated that the exact cause of death will only be established through the forensic report.

"The family has submitted a complaint alleging negligence. We have registered the matter and are waiting for the autopsy results. Based on the medical report and expert opinion, further legal action will be initiated," said TI SR Sahu. The local police department has expressed grief over the loss of their colleague, while the family remains adamant about a high-level probe into the private facility's conduct.

Bilaspur retired professor duped of ₹1.04 crore in 7-day 'digital arrest' ordeal

A retired college professor in Bilaspur was swindled of over ₹1 crore after cybercriminals kept her under 'digital arrest' for a week, using threats of terror funding charges and harm to her family.

In a chilling case of cyber fraud that underscores the rising vulnerability of senior citizens to digital scams, an 82-year-old retired professor in Bilaspur’s Civil Lines area was defrauded of ₹1.04 crore. The victim, Raman Srivastava, who previously served at DP College, was kept under "digital arrest" for seven days by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officers.

The scammers allegedly used sophisticated psychological pressure, sending forged documents from the Supreme Court and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to convince the victim she was embroiled in a terror funding investigation linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

The initial hook and intimidation

The ordeal began on the morning of April 20, when Prof. Srivastava received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. The caller identified himself as ‘Sanjay PSI’ and immediately began interrogating her. According to the police complaint, the fraudster claimed that her bank accounts were being used for money laundering and terror activities.

To solidify the fear, the criminals kept her on a video call for over two hours initially, forbidding her from disconnecting or contacting anyone. They presented fake bank statements and debit cards in her name, claiming her phone was being monitored.

A week of psychological captivity

Between April 20 and April 27, the retired professor did not step out of her house in the Real Heaven colony. The scammers told her that a specialized team was stationed near her residence to arrest her if she attempted to flee or alert the authorities.

"The victim was in such a state of panic that she believed her every move was being watched," a source familiar with the investigation said. Under this immense pressure, she followed the instructions to "clear her name" by transferring funds into what she was told were "government-verified" accounts for auditing.

Staggered transfers of life savings

The financial exploitation happened in phases as the victim desperately tried to avoid jail time. On April 21, she transferred ₹20 lakh, followed by ₹34.20 lakh the next day. By April 24, she had made four major transfers totaling ₹1,04,80,000.

Local authorities confirmed that the victim exhausted almost her entire life savings during this period. The scammers even threatened that if she failed to cooperate, her son—a director at an HR consultancy in Mumbai—and her grandson would also be arrested and jailed.

How the scam was exposed

The fraud came to light on April 27 when the criminals, unsatisfied with the initial haul, sent a fake ED warrant cancellation letter and demanded an additional ₹50 lakh to "permanently close" the case. With her accounts empty, Prof. Srivastava called her son, Prashant, in Mumbai, pleading for the money and crying that she would be sent to jail otherwise.

Sensing something was wrong, Prashant immediately flew to Bilaspur. Upon hearing the details, he realized his mother had been a victim of a "digital arrest" scam and reported the matter to the Range Cyber Police Station.

Rising trend of digital arrests

The Range Cyber Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code. Officials noted that this is not an isolated incident. Between December 2025 and early 2026, Bilaspur has seen a sharp 30-40% increase in digital arrest complaints.

Earlier this year, a local businessman was duped of ₹57 lakh using a similar modus operandi involving money laundering threats. In another case in Raipur, a retired veterinary doctor lost ₹1.28 crore after being intimidated by individuals posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officers.

Police have urged citizens, especially the elderly, to remember that no government agency—be it the Police, CBI, or ED—conducts arrests or investigations via WhatsApp video calls or demands money to "settle" criminal cases.

Fake Baba Nirmal Arrested for Rape on Medical Pretext in Chhattisgarh

Victim Lured to Hotel in Maihar

Janjgir-Champa (Chhattisgarh): A 60-year-old self-styled godman, Nirmal Baba, has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district. The accused exploited her by promising a miraculous cure for body pain.

Police arrested the accused, a resident of Nashik in Maharashtra, from Himachal Pradesh. Officials confirmed that he also took nude photographs of the victim and uploaded them on Instagram to blackmail her.

How the Accused Gained Trust

The survivor, a local woman, first met Nirmal Baba during Chaitra Navratri. He was on a foot pilgrimage in the Pamgarh area, claiming supernatural healing powers.

Suffering from chronic body pain, she approached him for treatment with a friend. The baba examined her hand, promised a complete cure, and collected her mobile number to build a false sense of security.

Hotel Rape and Photo Sharing

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed on April 11, the baba called the victim to a market on March 26. He gave her ‘prasad’ to gain complete control over her judgment.

Later, he took her to Bilaspur and then to a hotel in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, by train. Officials stated that he repeatedly assaulted her under the guise of treatment and captured explicit images.

Blackmail via Fake Instagram ID

After the incident, the accused continued harassing the survivor through calls. When she blocked his number, he created a fake Instagram profile in her name.

He uploaded the nude photos to threaten and extort her. This cyber crime forced the woman to approach the Pamgarh police station, triggering a high-priority investigation.

Police Action and Arrest from Himachal

Following the complaint, Superintendent of Police Nivedita Pal formed a special team. Officials said technical surveillance and intelligence inputs helped trace the accused’s location.

ASP Umesh Kumar Kashyap and SDOP Akaltara Pradeep Kumar Sori led the operation. The team raided a location in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, and arrested the absconding baba.

Charges Filed Under BNS and IT Act

Police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 64(2)(m) for rape and IT Act Section 67 for publishing obscene material. The accused has confessed to his crime during interrogation.

Judicial remand has been ordered for the accused. Police are also investigating whether he has duped or assaulted other women across multiple states.

Rising Concern Over Fake Godmen

This latest India News Update highlights a growing pattern of sexual exploitation by fraudulent religious figures. Authorities have urged the public to verify credentials before trusting self-proclaimed healers.

Cyber cells are now scanning for similar fake profiles used in blackmail schemes. As this Public Interest Story develops, police advise victims of such cyber crimes to report immediately rather than deleting evidence.

Masturi Shootout: Midnight Police Raid at Fugitive Congress Leader’s Residence

Armed teams and dog squads search Nagendra Rai’s house in Bilaspur; family members booked for obstructing official duty during the operation.

In a major escalation in the Masturi shootout investigation, the Bilaspur police conducted a massive midnight search operation at the residence of fugitive Congress leader Nagendra Rai. Despite a two-and-a-half-hour intensive sweep involving armed personnel and canine units, the accused managed to evade capture. The high-voltage drama at the Torwa locality saw family members clash with officials, leading to fresh criminal charges against the kin for obstructing a public servant.

Midnight Raid in Torwa

Acting on specific intelligence suggesting the accused was hiding in his ancestral home, a heavy police contingent descended upon the Lal Khadan-Mahmand area at 1:00 AM. The team, comprising senior officers and specialized units, cordoned off the perimeter before initiating a room-by-room search. Sources indicated that the operation was sanctioned after tracking recent movements in the vicinity linked to the fugitive's inner circle.

Confrontation with Family

The search operation faced immediate resistance from Rai’s relatives. His son and nephew reportedly engaged in a heated argument with the police, questioning the timing of the raid. Officials stated that the family attempted to block the entry of armed jawans into private quarters. Following the altercation, the Torwa police registered a formal case against the family members for interference in government proceedings.

Specialized Search Tactics

To ensure no hidden cavities or underground bunkers were missed, the district police deployed a dog squad during the raid. Armed jawans maintained a strict vigil at all exit points of the sprawling property. "We left no stone unturned during the 150-minute operation, but the primary suspect was not on the premises," a senior officer privy to the investigation confirmed.

Background of Violence

The case dates back to October 29, when a brazen assassination attempt took place at the Masturi bus stand. Masked assailants on motorcycles opened fire at the office of Janpad Vice President Nitesh Singh. Singh, who was present with associates, survived the attack by returning fire with his licensed pistol. The exchange of bullets in broad daylight had sent shockwaves through the district’s political corridors.

Conspiracy and Arrests

Investigations into the Latest News Today reveal that the shooting was the fallout of a deep-seated rivalry over local dominance. Police have already arrested 11 individuals, including Congress leader Akbar Khan and his brother. While 10 adults remain in judicial custody and one minor has been sent to a correction home, the alleged masterminds, Nagendra Rai and Tarkeshwar Patle, continue to remain at large.

Bounties and Surveillance

The Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajnesh Singh has placed a bounty of ₹5,000 each on Nagendra Rai and Tarkeshwar Patle. Despite multiple raids across Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, the duo has successfully avoided the police net for weeks. Authorities now suspect that Rai might have slipped across state borders to seek refuge with political affiliates in North India.

Escalating Legal Pressure

As part of the Government Updates on the case, the police are now moving toward property attachment proceedings if the accused fail to surrender. The recent raid serves as a stern warning to those harboring the fugitives. With the High Court already rejecting the bail plea of one co-accused, the legal noose is tightening around the remaining members of the Vishwajeet Anant gang involved in this Trending News India story.

Operation Nishchay Nets 46 Wanted Criminals Across Raipur Range

Chhattisgarh Police Deploy 95 Teams in Five Districts, Seize Drugs, Liquor, and Weapons in Sweeping Two-Day Crackdown

In one of the most coordinated law enforcement drives in recent months, the Raipur Range Police executed a sweeping two-day crackdown under Operation Nishchay, targeting criminal networks across five districts of Chhattisgarh. The joint operation, conducted on April 4 and 5, mobilised 95 teams simultaneously across Balodabazar-Bhatapara, Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, and Raipur Rural districts.

Scale of the Operation

A total of 384 raids, searches, and checkpost operations were carried out over the 48-hour window. The sheer scale of the deployment signals the Raipur Range's intent to dismantle entrenched criminal activity in both urban fringes and rural belts. According to police officials, the operation was planned with prior intelligence inputs and coordinated at the range headquarters level.

Liquor and Drugs Seized

The drive yielded significant recoveries on the narcotics and liquor front. Under the Excise Act, 126 cases were registered and an equal number of accused were taken into custody. Seized liquor stocks amounted to 802.436 litres of country and foreign liquor, along with 597 quarter bottles.

On the narcotics front, 22 NDPS Act cases were filed, with police recovering 21.945 kilograms of contraband substances and 60 tablets suspected to be psychotropic drugs. Ganja formed a bulk of the seized narcotic material, as per reports from district units.

Weapons Recovered, Warrants Served

Six cases were registered under the Arms Act, with police seizing two pistols during the course of the operation. The recovery of firearms from civilians in rural districts has been flagged as a priority concern in the range's anti-crime strategy.

Parallel to the seizures, a dedicated warrant execution drive was run alongside the raids. Teams served a combined 46 warrants — comprising 31 arrest warrants, 14 permanent warrants, and 1 bailable warrant — leading to the apprehension of 46 wanted individuals who had been evading the law.

District-Wise Breakdown

Each district contributed significantly to the overall tally:

• Balodabazar-Bhatapara — 13 NDPS cases filed; 5.6 kg of narcotics seized

• Gariaband — 119 raids conducted; 158 litres of liquor recovered

• Dhamtari — 150 locations covered; 3.9 kg of contraband seized

• Mahasamund — 10.5 kg of drugs and 357 litres of liquor recovered

• Raipur Rural — 1.8 kg of ganja and 597 quarter bottles seized

Additionally, 174 actions were taken under various preventive and prohibitory sections.

Gambling Rackets Busted

Two cases were also registered under the Gambling Act, with seven accused arrested and cash amounting to ₹6,230 seized from illegal betting and gambling dens. Four separate criminal cases were also pursued by respective district units as part of the broader operation.

Official Statement

Police officials confirmed that Operation Nishchay is not a one-time exercise. "The drive against anti-social elements, smugglers, and absconders will continue with equal intensity," a senior officer said, adding that maintaining law and order across the Raipur Range remains the department's foremost priority.

What Comes Next

Authorities indicated that further crackdowns are planned based on leads generated during this operation. With dozens of wanted persons now in custody and substantial contraband off the streets, investigators are expected to pursue leads that could unravel larger supply chains behind drug trafficking in the region. The operation is being seen as a template for future range-level coordinated drives across Chhattisgarh.

Raipur Police Bust Inter-State Cannabis Racket, Seize 22 kg Ganja Worth ₹11 Lakh

Seven arrested including two women and a minor; gang was smuggling cannabis from Odisha to Madhya Pradesh via Chhattisgarh capital

Gang Caught Red-Handed

Raipur police dismantled an inter-state drug smuggling network on Wednesday after arresting seven individuals — including two women and a minor — found carrying over 22 kilograms of cannabis near Telghani Naka in the Ganj police station area of the state capital.

The operation, carried out on the evening of April 2, follows a tip-off received by local police about a group loitering near the naka with bags suspected to contain contraband.

Tip-Off Led to Quick Action

According to police officials, a confidential informant alerted the Ganj police station that several individuals were standing near Telghani Naka with loaded bags, apparently waiting to move to another location.

A police team was immediately deployed to cordon off the area. Upon conducting a search, officers recovered ganja from the personal bags of all seven individuals on the spot.

Accused Named, Odisha Links Confirmed

The arrested accused have been identified as Shantanu Malik, Romeo Malik, Juliet Malik, Rahul Malik, Rashmita Digal, and Deepa Digal — all residents of Odisha — along with one juvenile whose identity has not been disclosed given their age.

Sources indicated that the group had procured the cannabis from Odisha and was in the process of transporting it to Madhya Pradesh when they were intercepted in Raipur.

Over ₹11 Lakh in Contraband Seized

Police seized a total of 22.450 kilograms of ganja from the accused, with the street value of the seized consignment estimated at approximately ₹11.22 lakh.

The recovery was made from individual bags carried by each member of the group, suggesting a deliberate distribution of the contraband to avoid detection at checkpoints.

NDPS Act Invoked

Cases have been registered against all seven accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Ganj police station. All arrested individuals are currently in police custody and are being questioned to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network.

As per reports, investigators are working to identify other members connected to this supply chain — both at the source end in Odisha and the distribution end in Madhya Pradesh.

Officials Vow Continued Crackdown

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Cyber), Smritik Rajnala, confirmed that the crackdown on drug trafficking operations will continue without pause.

"Action against those running narcotics trade will remain relentless," the DCP stated, adding that the identities of other associates linked to this gang are being established and arrests are expected soon.

What Comes Next

This latest bust is part of a sustained anti-narcotics drive by Raipur police targeting inter-state drug corridors passing through Chhattisgarh. The state, positioned between Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, has increasingly been flagged as a transit route for cannabis smuggling networks.

Officials are expected to seek police remand of the accused to trace the supplier network back to its origin in Odisha. Further arrests in connection with this case remain likely as interrogation continues, according to sources close to the investigation. The case has been forwarded for judicial proceedings under the NDPS Act.

Raipur De-Addiction Centre Assault: Tribal Youth Beaten

Shocking Pipe Attack

Raipur police registered an FIR against Anikesh Sharma, son of a de-addiction centre operator, for brutally beating a tribal youth with a pipe at Sahas Nashamukti Kendra in Pandri Mowa. The victim, Ankur Manjhi from Odisha's Umerkote, sustained deep wounds on his back and neck. Video footage shows the assault that left his skin torn.

Victim's Ordeal

Ankur's parents admitted him in September-October 2025 to curb his drug addiction. Centre staff barred family visits and hurled casteist slurs, sources indicated. The beating occurred soon after admission, but the family learned the truth only in February 2026 when he returned home traumatised.

Viral Video Evidence

Social media clips capture Anikesh Sharma thrashing Ankur with a pipe and kicks. Deep gashes mark the youth's back and neck, as per reports. His mental health deteriorated post-attack; doctors confirmed trauma from assault.

Hidden Abuse Exposed

The centre allegedly ran a 'torture cell' under guise of treatment, per family claims. Ankur's condition worsened, forcing transfer to a Visakhapatnam hospital for ongoing care. Parents spotted scars only after discharge.

FIR Against Accused

Pandri police acted on the family's complaint, booking Anikesh under relevant sections. Officers demanded the centre's operating documents from operator, his mother. No arrests yet, as investigations probe the setup.

Police Chief Speaks

Pandri station in-charge Swaraj Tripathi confirmed the FIR. "Anikesh himself battles addiction and is under treatment at Tati Bandh rehab," he said. Police seek his medical report before next steps.

Centre Under Scrutiny

Authorities verify Sahas Nashamukti Kendra's licence amid allegations of systemic abuse. Similar incidents raise questions on oversight of private de-addiction facilities in Chhattisgarh.

Victim's Road to Recovery

Ankur receives specialised care in Visakhapatnam. Family demands justice and centre closure. His case spotlights risks in unregulated rehabs.

Broader Implications

This Raipur de-addiction centre assault underscores gaps in monitoring addiction treatment homes. Victims from vulnerable groups like tribals face heightened risks, experts note. Public outrage builds over viral videos.

Probe Steps Ahead

Police expect Anikesh's report soon, paving way for arrests. A full audit of the centre looms. Chhattisgarh health department may tighten norms on private rehabs.

Raipur has been quietly earning a dangerous reputation. Just as Jamtara in Jharkhand became synonymous with phone scams a decade ago, Chhattisgarh's capital is now at the centre of a sophisticated, international cyber fraud operation — masterminded from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and executed floor by floor in two Raipur commercial complexes.

In a major overnight operation on March 26, the Anti Crime and Cyber Unit of Raipur Police raided three illegal call centres operating from Pithaliya Complex in Subhash Nagar and Anjani Tower in New Rajendra Nagar. A total of 42 accused were arrested. Seized from their possession were 67 mobile phones, 18 laptops, 28 computer sets, and 3 Wi-Fi routers — devices collectively valued at over ₹16.53 lakh.

The Mastermind Sits in Ahmedabad

This was no fly-by-night operation. According to police, the entire network was controlled by masterminds based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, who recruited supervisors on a monthly salary of ₹30,000 plus a 2% commission on every successful fraud. These supervisors in turn hired agents at ₹15,000 per month to make calls to the United States of America.

Three supervisors — identified as Rohit Yadav (alias Anil Kumar Yadav), Gaurav Yadav, and Saurabh Singh — ran the day-to-day operations across the three call centres. The masterminds, police say, remain at large and a hunt is on.

How the 5-Step Scam Worked

What makes this case remarkable is the clinical, assembly-line precision of the fraud. Police laid out a five-stage process during interrogation:

Step 1 — Target Acquisition: Employees sourced data of Americans who had applied for bank loans via WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Using scripted English prompts displayed on screen, they contacted these targets via internet calling apps, posing as loan officers.

Step 2 — Trust Building: Once a target expressed interest in a loan, agents collected their full bank account details and passed them up the chain. A "deposit team" then told the victim their credit score (CIBIL equivalent) was poor but could be fixed — and asked them to wait for a callback.

Step 3 — Fake Cheque Deposit: A technical group, reportedly operating from China, used the victim's account details to prepare a cloned cheque and deposit it into the victim's account. Foreign banks, following standard short-term credit practices, immediately credited small amounts — typically $100 — pending a 48-hour verification. The scam exploited this window.

Step 4 — The Hook: The calling group rang the victim back: "Your credit score has been fixed. We deposited $100 into your account to prove it — please check." The victim verified the amount, delighted. The gang then said: "That money belongs to our company. Please return it via gift card."

Step 5 — Cash Out and Hawala: Victims willingly purchased Apple, Google, Amazon, Crafin, or other gift cards and shared the card codes with the gang. A dedicated "redemption group" — again reportedly linked to China — instantly converted these cards into cash. The money then travelled back to the Ahmedabad masterminds via hawala channels.

The China-based technical group reportedly took a 10% cut of every successful fraud for their cloning and cash-out services.

'Digital Arrest' Used to Terrorise Victims

Beyond the loan scam, police also found fake arrest warrants prepared on the computers at both locations. These were used to terrorise victims who hesitated or asked questions — a tactic known as "digital arrest," in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers and threaten immediate legal action unless payments are made immediately.

Prime Minister Modi had publicly warned about digital arrest scams in a Mann Ki Baat address last year. That this tactic was being actively deployed from Raipur underlines how widespread the problem has become.

Who Are the Accused?

The 42 arrested span multiple states. While the supervisors and several key operatives hail from Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat, rank-and-file employees were recruited from Uttar Pradesh (Prayagraj, Itawa, Deoria), Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, and Chhattisgarh itself. Most are between 19 and 35 years old.

During interrogation, the accused admitted they were fully aware the activities were illegal but were drawn in by the combination of a fixed salary and performance-based incentives tied to fraud amounts.

Cases have been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — including sections 61(2), 112(2), 316(2), 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 337, 338, and 340(2) — as well as Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.

A Warning for Job Seekers

This case carries a message beyond crime reporting. Many of the accused were young people from modest backgrounds, recruited with the promise of a "call centre job" in Raipur — with no clear explanation of who they would be calling or why. Several were living in rented flats together, clearly housed and managed by their handlers.

At a time when youth unemployment remains high and call centre work is seen as respectable urban employment, organised crime networks are actively exploiting that desperation. If a job offers unusually high commissions for making calls to foreigners with scripted English dialogues — and asks no questions — it almost certainly is not legitimate.

The Ahmedabad-Raipur-China Triangle

What Raipur Police have uncovered is not just a local crime story. It is a transnational cyber fraud pipeline with tentacles stretching from Ahmedabad to Raipur to the United States — with China-based technical operators providing the cloning and cash-out infrastructure. The masterminds remain free. The investigation is ongoing.

Raipur has enough going for it — as a growing capital city in the heart of India — to not want this kind of notoriety. The question now is whether law enforcement can follow the money all the way back to Ahmedabad, and beyond.

The Bilaspur Breakthrough

In a significant strike against the growing menace of online gambling in Chhattisgarh, the Bilaspur Police on Friday arrested two wanted bookies — Rajesh alias Raja Bajaj and his associate Pradeep Khatri — from a hotel room in Raipur, where the duo had been running an illegal online betting operation through the 'Ricky Panel' gaming platform. The arrests come after months of pursuit by the Anti Cyber and Crime Unit (ACCU) and the Civil Lines Police team.

What Was Seized

Acting on confirmed intelligence, police raided the hotel and recovered assets valued at approximately Rs 45 lakh. The seizure included Rs 6.90 lakh in cash, three luxury cars — a Honda City, Maruti Brezza, and Maruti Swift Dzire — expensive mobile phones, laptops, five bank passbooks, five chequebooks, a Honda Activa, and two registers containing detailed accounts of betting transactions running into lakhs of rupees. Documents related to more than ten bank accounts showing crores in suspicious transactions were also recovered and are currently under financial scrutiny.

Hotel Room as Headquarters

According to police sources, Raja Bajaj had booked the hotel room in a woman's name to avoid detection — a detail that emerged only after officers checked the hotel's register during the raid. Inside, both accused were found actively operating the online platform. The room yielded a full operational setup, complete with betting ledgers, SIM cards, and digital devices used to manage client accounts and wagers across the country.

How the Ricky Panel Operated

Investigations revealed that the accused ran their betting network through the Ricky Panel, through which clients were offered access to games including Aviator, Wingo, Casino, and Horse Racing — all carrying real-money stakes. Customers were recruited via Telegram channels, while WhatsApp numbers were used to share betting links. The profit-sharing arrangement was fixed: 65 per cent to the head office and 35 per cent to local operators.

The network was pan-India in scale, with agents on the ground across multiple states bringing in new customers and handling cash flows through a layered system of fake SIM cards and third-party bank accounts. Ordinary individuals were reportedly offered commissions to lend their bank accounts, which were then used to route betting money and launder proceeds.

A Trail Going Back to December

The chain of arrests traces back to 21 December 2024, when police nabbed a bookie named Manoj Poptani from Hemunagarar in Torwa, Bilaspur. During his interrogation, Poptani disclosed that he had been operating in coordination with Raja Bajaj and Pradeep Khatri. That disclosure set off months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, with Bilaspur Police placing a reward of Rs 5,000 on Bajaj's head after he went into hiding and kept changing locations to evade arrest.

Financial Investigation Launched

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajnesh Singh confirmed that for the first time in Bilaspur, a formal financial investigation has been initiated against a bookie. "A property worth approximately Rs 50 lakh in the accused's name has already been identified," he said, adding that further assets are being mapped for attachment. According to officials, the probe will cover the accused's complete income and expenditure trail to build an end-to-end case under asset recovery provisions.

Police Signal Harder Action

SSP Rajnesh Singh stated that the department's campaign against those running illegal online betting operations — and looting hard-earned money from ordinary citizens — would continue unabated. "We are now moving towards economic action against these operators. By tracing their financial trail completely, we intend to dismantle these networks at the root," he said, as per official statements.

The case underscores a wider pattern of online gambling syndicates operating across Chhattisgarh under the cover of gaming apps, using shifting locations and fake identities to stay ahead of authorities — a challenge that police say they are increasingly equipped to meet.