One more gang operating a cricket-betting racket was busted by the Cyberabad police on Wednesday. Eight persons were arrested and Rs.14.42 lakh, two cars and 16 phones were seized from them.
The gang comprising Shaik Mohammed Ghouse and his two sons Shaik Mohammed Ali and Shaik Shoukath Ali staying at APIC Colony, Housing Board in Moula Ali were operating the racket from their house since the beginning of 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, E. Ramachandra Reddy, Additional DCP (Special Operations Team) Cyberabad said.
The main organiser, Mohammed Ghouse, who is absconding along with his two sons - Mohammed Ali and Shoukath Ali and assistants Dharma Raju, Imran, Abdul and Praveen, accepted the bets from punters hailing from Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and other districts of Telangana. The gang also appointed a few collection agents to bring money from the punters.
“The gang operated with the help of laptop, tab and mobile phones. The punters contacted the collection agents and gave them money. To avoid any controversies the gang members would record their conversation with punters on mobile phones,” Mr. Reddy said.
The main accused frequently moved to Maharasthra and Goa to expand his racket, the police said. Apart from cash, cars and electronics gadgets the police also seized two swords and an air gun from their house. “The gang members kept the weapons to threaten people who created trouble after loosing their money,” the official added.
Investigations into the operations of the racket have revealed that many small traders, students and businessmen were participating in the cricket betting. A few of those participating in the racket were committing thefts in their houses, the police said.
The police are making efforts to nab Ghouse and six others who are absconding.
