A woman constable's husband among those named; City Kotwali says action will follow video verification

A video that has surfaced from the heart of Rewa city is posing uncomfortable questions for local police. The clip, now circulating widely, shows what residents describe as a long-running illegal gambling operation in a colony behind Fomens School near Gudha Chowraha, within the City Kotwali police station limits. Dozens of people are clearly visible in the footage, openly placing bets — in what locals say has been going on for years without any police intervention.

Gambling Den in Plain Sight

According to people familiar with the locality, the gambling den has been active for a considerable period. Gamblers reportedly arrive daily from different parts of the city and beyond, with stakes running into lakhs of rupees. That such a large-scale illegal operation could function unhindered in a densely populated urban area has left many residents baffled and angry.

The site falls squarely within the jurisdiction of City Kotwali, one of Rewa's main police stations. The absence of any previous raid or crackdown — despite the activity being common knowledge in the neighbourhood — is what has fuelled public frustration.

A Constable's Husband Named

The controversy deepened when names began circulating locally in connection with the gambling ring's operation. Shivcaharan and Ikhlak are said to be among those actively running the racket. More significantly, a woman police constable's husband has also been named as allegedly involved — an allegation that, if borne out, would point to direct complicity within the police force itself. These are claims doing the rounds at the local level and are yet to be officially confirmed or denied.

The involvement of a serving police personnel's family member has added a sharper edge to public anger. Many in the area are asking how such a high-visibility operation survived for so long without any administrative action.

Police Respond, Promise Action

City Kotwali police have acknowledged the video. Officials said the footage has come to their attention and that an inquiry has been initiated. According to local authorities, once the gambling is verified through the investigation, those visible in the video will be identified and legal action taken against them under the relevant provisions of the Gambling Act.

The statement, however, has done little to satisfy residents, many of whom feel the police response should have come on its own without the pressure of a viral video.

Credibility on the Line

Cases like this tend to resonate beyond the immediate locality. When illegal activity thrives openly in a busy urban neighbourhood for an extended period, it raises questions that go beyond a single gambling den. The focus inevitably shifts to whether there is a systematic failure — or worse, deliberate protection — allowing such operations to continue.

For Rewa police, the coming days will be telling. If the inquiry leads to real arrests and accountability — including scrutiny of the named individuals — it may partially restore confidence. If not, the video is likely to become a reference point in a wider conversation about policing standards in the city.

As of now, the case remains under investigation. The City Kotwali is yet to make any arrests.

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.