Chandigarh Police uncovered a major illegal IPL betting racket

Police arrested 4 people and seized 43 phones, laptops, tablets, and a portable gambling box from a rented Sector 33 house.

May 2025- The Chandigarh Police busted a big illegal IPL betting racket, operating out of a rented house in Sector 33. Police seized several electronic devices used for online betting during IPL matches and arrested four individuals.

Background

Illegal betting linked to the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been an ongoing issue. With officials across the country attempting to tackle illegal betting. Nonetheless, betting syndicates have continued to use their networks and technology to commit a significant number of illegal betting activities.

The Raid and Arrest

Acting on a tip-off, the Chandigarh UT Police’s Operations Cell, raided a rented property at House No. 1229, Sector 33.

Arrested Individuals were :- 

• Hardeep Singh (50), alias Jolly, from Sector 33 
• Deepak(43), alias, Deepu Pepsi, from Sector 20, Panchkula
• Santosh(19), from Sector 33 
• Bhuvan(25), from Sector 33. 

The police found that the gang was running a betting syndicate that made financial transactions worth a few lakhs of rupees on a daily basis.

Items Seized

During the operation, law enforcement seized a sizeable amount of devices and equipment facilitating the betting operations:

• 43 mobile phones
• 6 laptops
• 2 tablets
• 1 LED screen
• 2 Wi-Fi routers
• A portable gambling box
• Other associated items

The devices were reportedly used to access live telecasts of IPL matches earlier and were used in order to conduct matching betting transactions.

Method of Operation

The syndicate was functioning as an organized network that was in connection with local bookies. The syndicate was able to provide real-time betting on different aspects of the IPL matches. Through online platforms and mobile applications. All financial transactions for the syndicate worked exclusively off-line to avoid detection through so-called ‘digital footprints.’

Legal Action

A case under the Punjab Gambling Act (illicit betting and gambling) is registered at the Sector 34 police station.

Larger Context

The raid demonstrates the difficulty law enforcement has to confront illegal betting. With the advent of technology, it has become increasingly possible for these syndicates to take shape. Without detection and circumvention of dismantling law enforcement operations. There is available preliminary evidence collected that indicates that this may be operating outside of Chandigarh, and potentially on an international level.

Organizations have stressed they will heighten its vigilance and operational strategies. For issues in protecting sports integrity and managing illegitimate betting services that may influence the spirit of the sporting event.