Nagpur: In a major crackdown during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Nagpur Rural Police has booked three individuals, including a known bookie, for running an online cricket betting racket linked to the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings match.
Acting on a tip-off, police raided IUDP Colony in Katol, where they caught Gaurav Vilasrao Burange (35) accepting bets via his mobile phone near his residence. Investigators revealed that Burange had created multiple betting IDs on his Android device and was collecting money online while placing bets on the IPL match for profit.
During interrogation, Burange disclosed that he was working under Vinay alias Vinu Rajeshwar Verma (37), a resident of Khajeja Layout in Katol. Police swiftly tracked down Verma and took him into custody.
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Further probing exposed the involvement of Shiraj Khan alias Shirajbhai, a Nagpur-based bookie with a prior record. Officials said Khan was allegedly operating the betting network and directing the activities of the other accused.
Police seized two mobile phones worth ₹68,000, which reportedly contained betting IDs and transaction records linked to the illegal operation.
A case has been registered at Katol Police Station under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act, 1976, and the Indian Penal Code. Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway to uncover additional links and identify more individuals connected to the racket.
