Pathankot Police have successfully dismantled an interstate betting syndicate connected to the ongoing Cricket World Cup, spanning across the states of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. A staggering eight individuals have been apprehended in this significant crackdown, marking a major blow to illegal gambling activities in the region.
The arrested individuals have been identified as: Sunny Mahajan alias Sunny, son of Late Ramesh Kumar, resident of Qazian Mohalla, near Aasha Purni Mandir, Pathankot, Varinder Joshi alias Bintta, son of Tilak Raj, resident of Abrol Nagar, Balwan Colony, Pathankot, Kameshwar alias Rintu, son of Dharam Singh, resident Near Punjab Mahal Mohalla, Anandpur Rara, Pathankot, Sahil Mahajan, son of Rakesh Mahajan, resident of Jindrian Mohalla, Pathankot Anoop Sharma alias Abbu, son of Surinder Kumar Sharma, resident of Jindrian Mohalla, Pathankot, Balwinder Singh, son of Pritam Singh, resident of Preet Nagar, Pathankot, Rahul Gosain, son of Anil Gosian, resident of WE/135, Sekhan Bazaar, Tel Wali Galli, Jalandhar, Govind Giri, son of Sant Giri, Location: Kothe Manval, Village Keuthann, Distt Toshara, Kathmandu, Nepal
Providing further insight, Senior Superintendent of Police, Pathankot Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, revealed that acting on tip-off, a specialised team led by SHO Shahpurkandi, Shohrat Maan, and under the guidance of DSP headquarter, Nachattar Singh, apprehended eight individuals believed to be pivotal figures in the operation. These culprits were found orchestrating their activities from multiple states including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, employing a mobile application to deceive unsuspecting victims.
Among the confiscated items were three laptops, eight mobile devices integrated into a betting exchange system, twenty mobile phones exclusively dedicated to betting, a recorder, five copies/registers, and an astounding INR 11.50 Lakh in cash. Additionally, a total of seven luxury vehicles were seized, including a Thar, Ford Feigo, Bullet motorcycle, Activa scooters, Jupiter, and TVS motorcycle. The recovery also encompasses twelve personal mobile devices and a significant amount of currency, totaling Rs. 20,300.
The accused have been charged under pertinent sections of the Gambling Act and the Indian Penal Code, including 13-3-67, 420, and 120-B, as per case FIR No. 90 at Shahpurkandi Police Station, Pathankot.
The apprehended individuals will be produced before the local court, and their remand will be sought to conduct for further investigations into the matter and unravel the entire network. Police teams are conducting extensive raids, and additional arrests are anticipated.
SSP Khakh emphatically said that illicit activities would not be tolerated within the jurisdiction of district Pathankot, and offenders will be dealt with sternly.