Nagpur: The Unit 3 of Nagpur Crime Branch made a significant bust on Thursday, uncovering a cricket gambling operation in Wathoda where bets were being placed on the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final match between India and England. Four bookies were apprehended during the raid, and authorities seized items valued at Rs 6.38 lakh, including 28 mobile phones, two laptops, a printer, and other materials.
Acting on a tip-off, the Unit 3 Crime Branch, led by PI Mukund Thakre, raided Flat No. 91, Kolhe Housing Society, Tarodi Nagpur, where they found five individuals involved in accepting bets on the cricket match.
The arrested individuals were identified as Rakesh alias Pintu Moreshwar Bhaik (48), residing at Badkas Chowk; Arvind Haribhau Mugdal (48), residing in Aashirwad Nagar; Vishal Keshav Solanke (34), residing in Telgipura, Gandhibagh; and Roshan Eknath Nandanwar (39), residing in Tandapeth, Pachpaoli.
They were taken to Wathoda Police Station, and charges were filed under Sections 4 and 5 of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act. The investigation is ongoing.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Singhal, DCP (Crime) Nimit Goyal, and ACP Crime.