Police Bust Betting Racket in Nagpur During IPL, Seize ₹1.21 Lakh in Equipment
Nagpur, India: The Crime Branch Unit 4 of Nagpur Police busted an illegal betting racket on Thursday night, operating during the IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Following a tip-off, the police team raided the parking area in front of Aashirwad Bar under Sakkardara Police Station limits between 8:15 pm and 10:30 pm. During the raid, they arrested Avinash Vasudev Matkure (45), a resident of Kamgar Nagar, Nandanvan, who was allegedly accepting bets over the phone on the ongoing IPL match.
During questioning, Matkure revealed that he was receiving online betting information from an accomplice, Rahul Chourasia, a resident of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The two were reportedly working together to run the betting operation.
Police seized two mobile phones, ₹1,100 in cash, and other materials valued at around ₹1.21 lakh. A case has been registered under Section 12(a) of the Maharashtra Gambling Prevention Act at Sakkardara Police Station. Investigations are continuing to identify others involved in the racket.
The action was taken under the supervision of Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, Joint CP Nisar Tamboli, Additional CP (Crime) Sanjay Patil, DCP (Detection) Rahul Makanikar, and ACP (Crime Branch) Abhijit Patil. The operation was led by PI Kamalakar Gaddime and PSI Vaibhav Barange.
Police have urged citizens to report such illegal activities and warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in gambling during the ongoing IPL season.
