Vijayawada: Betting network busted by cops, 13 bookies arrested

Vijayawada: The police arrested 13 bookies and sub-bookies who were using digital apps and websites to accept bets on the outcome of cricket matches. Presenting the accused before the media, police commissioner Gowtham Sawang said the bookies were arrested following raids at different places. He said they were arrested following tip-offs given by the public. The police on Tuesday raided the bookies’ dens in Subbarajunagar and Radhanagar and seized laptops, mobile phones and cash. He said the mobile apps used for betting provided options like placing bets on the outcome of the match, the result of an over and the result of 10 overs of play.

Among those arrested was Potula Poornachandra Rao, who has been arrested several times for betting since 2009. He had opened a website for betting and gave logins to those who paid him. The members were accepted by reference. Mr Sawang said the police was using counter technology to curb the betting mafia. He said the police would trace the admins of the apps and those who were providing servers. He said the police would file cases under Sections 79 (3) (D) and 78 of the IT Acts on persons involved in such activity. Mr Sawang expressed serious concern over the youth who were falling prey to betting and other vices. He requested parents to monitor the youth for their own well-being.