3 held for IPL betting, cash, smartphones and car seized

Kanpur: Police on Tuesday arrested three persons who were placing bets on the IPL while sitting in a car and seized Rs 1.15 lakh, three smartphones, a keypad, and a car from them. The arrested individuals included Shahid from Kidwai Nagar Safed Colony, Sandeep Dwivedi from Barra Vishwa Bank, and Sumit Kumar Anand from Shyam Nagar, Chakeri.

A betting website was found on the browsers of the accused's mobile phones. Upon inquiry, they revealed that they created an online sports betting ID on this website and used it to place and facilitate bets on the IPL.

During routine patrolling near Rawatpur crossing, the surveillance cell in-charge Pawan Pratap and Kakadeo police received a tip-off and raided near Gol Chauraha Bridge, where they found individuals sitting in a car, betting on IPL matches and partying.

Upon opening the car door, the police discovered three people inside. The police apprehended and searched them.

During interrogation, the suspects revealed that they were settling their accounts after the match. They identified themselves as Mohammad Shahid from Kidwai Nagar Safed Colony, Sandeep Dwivedi from Barra Vishwa Bank, and Sumit Kumar Anand from Shyam Nagar, Chakeri. A betting website was found in the browser of their mobile phones. When questioned, they explained that they had created an online sports betting ID on this website, where the daily IPL match scores and odds were displayed. Through this site, they facilitated and participated in IPL betting. Other bettors from different parts of the city contacted their agents. The agents would bring the money to them, after which they settled the accounts. The Kakadeo police station in-charge stated that Rs 1.15 lakh, three smartphones, a keypad, a calculator, and a car were seized from the suspects.

ADCP Central Rajesh Srivastava said a report was filed against the three under the Gambling Act based on the complaint from the surveillance team in charge, and further action is being taken.