Barpeta, Assam, June 2: Police in Assam’s Barpeta district have arrested an alleged IPL betting operator during a crackdown on illegal gambling activities in Kalgachia.
The accused, identified as Dewan Jeherul, a resident of Haldia village under Kalgachia, was apprehended by Kalgachia Police following an investigation into suspected IPL betting operations in the area.
According to reports, police conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the accused, including his residence in Barpeta Road and a flat in Guwahati. Following the operation, Jeherul was brought to Kalgachia Police Station, where a case was registered against him before he was remanded to judicial custody.
During the raids, police seized two mobile phones, ₹20,000 in cash, 12 debit cards, betting-related records and documents, along with several luxury household items believed to have been acquired through proceeds from illegal gambling activities.
Investigators suspect that the accused was involved in organizing or facilitating betting activities linked to matches of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The seized mobile phones and financial documents are expected to be examined to determine the scale of the alleged betting network and identify any other individuals involved.
The arrest has drawn attention to the growing concern over online and IPL-related gambling activities in rural areas. Local residents welcomed the police action and called for stricter enforcement against illegal betting operations.
Speaking on the issue, a local community representative praised the police for the arrest and urged authorities to continue their crackdown on gambling networks. He expressed concern that online betting applications and IPL gambling have increasingly attracted young people and students, leading to financial and social problems.
The representative also appealed to the government and law enforcement agencies to take stronger measures against illegal online gambling platforms and betting applications, arguing that such activities are spreading rapidly through smartphones and digital payment systems.
Police have launched a further investigation to ascertain whether the accused had links to a wider betting syndicate operating in Assam. Additional arrests and seizures may follow as the probe progresses.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating illegal gambling and have urged citizens to report any information related to betting rackets and online gambling operations.
