Kanpur. In a major crackdown during the IPL season, police have busted a highly organised illegal betting syndicate operating through mobile apps and digital platforms. Five accused have been arrested, while the alleged mastermind, Mangesh alias ‘Professor’, has reportedly fled to Maharashtra. Authorities have recovered ₹3.92 crore in cash, three currency counting machines, one currency verification machine, six mobile phones, and a car used for operations.
The entire network was run from inside a moving and parked car, where the accused facilitated live betting on IPL matches and managed transactions through both digital and cash channels.
Investigators revealed that the syndicate was operating through a betting application called ‘BetHub 24.com’. Customers were connected via mobile phones and WhatsApp chats, while all betting activities were centrally controlled through a coordinated digital system.
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A calculated fraud built on deception and the lure of profit
According to police findings, the gang operated with a highly manipulative strategy. New customers were initially allowed to win small bets to build trust and confidence. Once they started placing higher wagers, they were systematically pushed into losses.
This psychological trap ensured continuous engagement and increasing deposits from victims, leading to substantial financial exploitation.
Master ID used to control betting outcomes
Investigations have further revealed that the gang’s mastermind, Mangesh alias ‘Professor’, used a master ID system to control outcomes for high-value bettors. Through this mechanism, wins and losses were allegedly manipulated within the betting ecosystem.
Small winnings were transferred online, while larger amounts were settled in cash to avoid digital tracking and law enforcement detection.
Five arrested, network spread across three states
The arrested accused have been identified as Kartik Lakhwani from Kaushalpuri (Kanpur), Rajkumar from Fazalganj (Kanpur), and three individuals from Gujarat’s Mehsana district—Kalpesh, Ravi Nai, and Vishnu. All five have been sent to judicial custody.
During interrogation, it was revealed that the network operated across three states. Kanpur-based members handled customer onboarding and ID distribution, while Gujarat-based members handled cash collection and settlement operations.
Operations run from a rented house in Kidwai Nagar
Accused persons disclosed that the entire betting operation was being run from a rented house in Kidwai Nagar, with a monthly rent of ₹60,000. This location functioned as the central hub for digital coordination and financial transactions.
Police conducted raids at the premises, recovering large amounts of cash, counting machines, and electronic records linked to the betting operation.
Betting operation run from inside a car
One of the most striking revelations is that the betting activity was also being conducted from inside a white car. Parked near the Govindpuri bridge, the vehicle was used as a mobile command unit during IPL matches.
A joint police team conducted coordinated raids and arrested Kartik Lakhwani and Rajkumar from the vehicle itself.
Digital evidence and Income Tax Department involvement
During the search operations, police recovered crucial digital evidence from mobile devices, including activity logs of the betting app, WhatsApp conversations, and detailed financial transaction records.
Given the large cash seizure, the Income Tax Department has also been informed and has initiated a parallel probe into the financial aspects of the case.
Accused reportedly working for a ₹20,000 monthly salary
Preliminary investigation suggests that some of the accused were working for a monthly salary of around ₹20,000. Their role involved recruiting customers and managing cash collection for the syndicate.
Mastermind on the run, wider network suspected
The alleged mastermind Mangesh alias ‘Professor’ remains absconding, and police teams are actively conducting raids to trace him. Officials believe the network is not limited to Kanpur and may have links across multiple states, as well as to international digital betting platforms.
Authorities are now analysing the financial trail and digital infrastructure of the syndicate in detail, with expectations of further major revelations in the coming days.
