A major illegal gambling network has been exposed in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, where police have busted an IPL betting racket allegedly operating through online applications and mobile phones. The city Kotwali police action has led to the arrest of seven accused so far, with investigators claiming that crores of rupees were being circulated through the network during ongoing IPL matches.

According to officials, the racket was being operated in a highly organised manner, using digital platforms, cash exchanges and coded communication to avoid detection. The operation came to light after sustained surveillance and intelligence inputs.

Police Conduct Coordinated Raids

The crackdown on the IPL betting racket began after police received specific inputs about illegal betting activities being conducted during live IPL matches. Acting swiftly, the Durg city Kotwali police team carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations.

During the initial raid, three accused were caught red-handed while allegedly placing and managing bets during a live IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The accused were identified as Vikas Jain, Raunak Tamrakar, and Praveen Tamrakar. Police officials said that betting activities were being conducted using mobile phones and online applications that allowed real-time wagering on match outcomes, player performances and in-game events.

Four More Accused Arrested

Following sustained interrogation and digital tracking, police expanded their investigation into the IPL betting racket and arrested four more individuals linked to the network. The newly arrested accused have been identified as Akshat Bohre, Mohammad Adil, Mohammad Ayyub, and Prakash Soni. All four were taken into custody after their alleged involvement surfaced during questioning of the earlier arrested suspects. Police stated that these individuals played different roles, including handling transactions, managing clients, and maintaining betting records.

Digital Betting Network Exposed

Investigators revealed that the IPL betting racket was not limited to physical interactions but was largely driven by mobile technology and online betting platforms. The accused reportedly used smartphones, encrypted messaging apps and betting software to coordinate wagers. Transactions were often routed through multiple accounts to avoid detection by authorities. Officials believe the network was structured in a way that allowed quick movement of money during live matches, making it difficult to trace without digital forensics.

Cash, Devices and Records Seized

During the raids linked to the IPL betting racket, police recovered several key pieces of evidence. These include eight mobile phones, ₹9,810 in cash, pocket diaries containing betting entries, and pen drives with transaction records.

Authorities said the seized diaries contained detailed accounts of betting amounts, player selections, match outcomes and payouts. These records are now being analysed to understand the financial scale of the operation. Police officials also confirmed that multiple mobile devices contained chat histories and app-based transaction logs that directly connect the accused to betting activities.

Key Role of Main Accused

According to police, the IPL betting racket was allegedly being operated by Vikas Jain, a resident of Rishabh Nagar in Durg. He is believed to be one of the key operators managing the betting network at the local level. Investigators said Jain used mobile apps to coordinate bets during live IPL matches, while maintaining contact with other accused who handled money collection and client coordination. Police sources added that the accused were highly active during match hours, placing and settling bets in real time to maximise turnover.

Initial Arrests Trigger Breakthrough

The first breakthrough in the IPL betting racket came when police conducted a raid during a live IPL match and detained three individuals on the spot. The accused were found actively involved in betting operations, with mobile phones displaying live betting interfaces and ongoing transactions. Subsequent interrogation led to the identification of additional members of the network. Officials believe this initial arrest helped expose a wider syndicate operating within and beyond Durg district.

Wider Network Under Scanner

The IPL betting racket investigation has now expanded as police attempt to trace the full extent of the illegal gambling network. Authorities suspect that the racket may have connections in other districts and possibly interstate links. Cybercrime and financial investigation teams are currently analysing call detail records, digital payment trails and online betting app data to identify additional suspects. Police officials have indicated that more arrests are likely as the probe progresses.

Financial Trail Under Investigation

Investigators are also focusing on the financial structure of the IPL betting racket, which allegedly involved continuous money circulation through cash and digital transfers. Preliminary findings suggest that funds were being routed through multiple channels to disguise the origin and destination of money. Authorities are now tracking bank accounts, UPI transactions and cash flows linked to the accused. Officials believe that the total betting turnover could be significantly higher than initial estimates.

Legal Action and Custody

All seven accused in the IPL betting racket have been booked under the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act. Following their arrest, they have been sent to judicial custody as further investigation continues. Police officials stated that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in organising or facilitating illegal betting activities during IPL matches. Authorities have also warned that digital betting platforms are under close surveillance.

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In a major enforcement action, Mahasamund police in Chhattisgarh seized silver jewellery worth over ₹46 lakh from a passenger travelling on a private bus. The operation was carried out during routine vehicle checking at the Rehtikhol check post on National Highway-53, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The passenger, identified as a resident of Cuttack in Odisha, was on his way to Raipur when the suspicious consignment was detected. Authorities said the seizure forms part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal transportation of valuables.

Suspicious Bag Found

According to officials, the bus operated by a private travel company—was stopped for inspection as part of intensified surveillance. During the check, a blue backpack belonging to one of the passengers raised suspicion.

A thorough search of the bag led to the recovery of approximately 18.590 kilograms of silver ornaments packed in plastic containers. The items primarily included around 600 pairs of silver anklets.

No Valid Documents

The passenger, identified as Raj Kishore Sharma alias Raju (58), failed to produce any valid documentation related to the silver consignment. Police officials stated that no purchase receipts, transport permits, or ownership proof were presented during questioning.

Acting on this, authorities issued a notice under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and seized the consignment for further verification.

Authorities Informed

Given the high value of the seized jewellery, Mahasamund police informed both the Income Tax Department and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Chhattisgarh. Officials indicated that these agencies will examine the financial and legal aspects of the case.

“The matter has been referred to concerned departments for further scrutiny. Necessary action will follow based on their findings,” a police officer said, as per reports.

Previous Similar Case

This is not the first such incident in the district. Around a month ago, police seized silver ornaments worth approximately ₹54.6 lakh during a vehicle check in the Komakhan area of Mahasamund.

In that case, over 21 kilograms of silver jewellery packed in multiple containers was recovered from a car. The occupants had also failed to produce valid documents, leading to the seizure of both the ornaments and the vehicle.

Ongoing Enforcement Drive

Officials said the seizures are part of a broader campaign to curb illegal trade and unaccounted movement of precious metals. Highway checkpoints have been strengthened in recent weeks following intelligence inputs about suspicious transport activities.

Regular inspections are being conducted on vehicles entering Chhattisgarh from neighbouring states, especially along key transit routes like NH-53.

What Happens Next

The seized silver jewellery will remain under official custody until verification is completed by the relevant departments. Authorities will assess whether the consignment was linked to tax evasion, illegal trade, or other financial irregularities.

If no valid ownership or transaction records are produced, further legal proceedings may follow. Officials indicated that stricter monitoring will continue in the coming days as part of ongoing Government Updates under enforcement drives.