BUSINESS

Delhi Police Bust IPL 2025 Betting Racket in Narela; Two Arrested with Tech Setup

In a major breakthrough amid the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Delhi Police arrested two individuals involved in an illegal betting racket operating out of the Swatantra Nagar area in Narela. The arrests were carried out by the special staff of the Outer North District, as part of a wider effort to clamp down on gambling activities during high-profile cricket matches.

According to police officials, the suspects were caught red-handed while placing live bets during the IPL match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), broadcast on April 8.

Raid Details and Seized Equipment

The operation began when a confidential informant tipped off the Narela Police Station around 6:00 PM, reporting the existence of a betting hub using multiple mobile phones and electronic devices. The police immediately launched a surveillance operation near the Water Plant area of Swatantra Nagar.

At approximately 10:40 PM, law enforcement officers raided an office room where two men were found operating a live betting setup. The suspects—Rohit Kumar and Tejender Singh—were actively engaged in betting activities using an online application named “OM777”, streamed on a Sony LED television.

Recovered items from the scene included:

₹20,000 in ₹500 denomination notes
Five mobile phones with active SIM cards used for communication
One brown dabba device (a communication box) with a connected microphone
A betting ledger with handwritten entries
One Sony LED TV used to monitor the match and betting app

Role of the Accused

Preliminary investigations revealed that Rohit Kumar was responsible for maintaining handwritten betting transaction records, while Tejender Singh handled the dabba device, which linked multiple phones together for seamless communication with other bettors.

Both individuals have been booked under relevant sections of the Prevention of Gambling Act and Telegraph Act, which make such betting activities a punishable offense.

IPL Betting and Legal Implications

While fantasy sports and gaming platforms have gained popularity in India, real-time betting on cricket matches remains illegal. The Indian Premier League, being one of the most watched tournaments globally, becomes a hotspot for illegal bookmakers and betting syndicates.

Authorities have intensified monitoring efforts during IPL 2025 to deter such unlawful activities, urging citizens to report suspicious behavior related to gambling or match-fixing.

Conclusion

This arrest highlights the proactive measures taken by Delhi Police to curb illegal betting operations during the ongoing IPL season. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the legal consequences of participating in such activities.