In a major crackdown on illegal betting during IPL matches, Agra police have arrested five bookies involved in running a large-scale betting network from a hotel room. The operation was being conducted discreetly, with the accused placing and managing bets worth lakhs of rupees while avoiding public attention.
Four accused were arrested from a hotel, while one was taken into custody from his residence following a targeted police raid.
Hotel room used as betting hub
Acting on a tip-off received late Sunday night, a police team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Tajganj Mayank Tiwari raided Hotel Howard Park Plaza located on Fatehabad Road. During the raid, room number 318 was found to be actively used as a betting control center for IPL matches.
The police arrested Sunil Dhakad, Anil Khemyani, Manish Mayani alias “Sabzi,” and Rahul Mudgal alias “Lala” from the hotel room. Several mobile phones, transaction records, and handwritten financial diaries were recovered from the spot.
FCRF Academy Launches Premier Anti-Money Laundering Certification Program
Digital betting network uncovered
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the gang was operating through online platforms and mobile-based communication channels. Customers were assigned specific IDs, and betting limits were set for each participant. During live matches, odds were continuously updated, enabling high-value transactions.
Police sources confirmed that the network was highly organized and involved both local and external operators.
Additional arrest from residence
Based on leads obtained during interrogation, police conducted a raid at the residence of Shahganj resident Piyush Sharma and arrested him as well. During questioning, he attempted to influence the situation by claiming association with an organization, but police proceeded with the arrest.
Piyush later admitted to supplying funds to bookies and playing a key role in facilitating transactions within the betting network.
Several big names under scanner
The investigation has also revealed the involvement of several other individuals, including Radhe Malhotra, Anil Sharma alias “Anni,” Sanjay Kalia, Rajiv Chopra, Tony Sindhi, Boney Vakil, and Bharat Peshwani.
Police stated that these individuals are linked to the betting syndicate and their roles are being verified. All of them have been declared absconding, and search operations are underway.
Sanjay Kalia’s past criminal record
Investigators found that Sanjay Kalia is a known figure in illegal betting operations and has previously been arrested multiple times in gambling-related cases. He has once again been linked to the current network.
Officials described the syndicate as a long-running operation that frequently changes its methods to avoid detection.
Large-scale financial betting operation
During interrogation, it was revealed that the operators created multiple customer IDs and controlled betting limits based on risk levels. Transactions worth crores were reportedly handled during matches.
The entire system was managed through mobile applications and encrypted communication channels to evade law enforcement tracking.
Police action creates panic in local areas
Following the arrests, panic spread across Tajganj and Shahganj areas. Locals stated that the network had been active for a long time, but its operations have now started to unravel due to police action.
Authorities have indicated that this is only the beginning, and more arrests and disclosures are expected in the coming days.
Legal proceedings and ongoing investigation
All five arrested accused have been produced before the court and subsequently sent to judicial custody. Police are now analyzing financial transactions, digital footprints, and communication records linked to the syndicate.
Officials confirmed that strict action will be taken against all individuals involved, and efforts are ongoing to dismantle the entire betting network completely.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
