A major development has surfaced in the probe into an IPL betting racket operating in Punjab, with Khanna police freezing bank accounts holding Rs 42.3 lakh that are said to be connected to money generated through illegal cricket wagering. The action follows earlier arrests made in the lead-up to and during the IPL, as investigators narrow in on how the network functioned and where the proceeds were routed.
Quick facts
- Khanna police froze bank accounts containing Rs 42.3 lakh allegedly linked to IPL betting profits.
- Four people were arrested after a crackdown on an online betting network during the IPL on April 12.
- The accused named in the probe are Dinesh Chhabra, Karan Chhabra, Mahinder Singh, and Naresh Kumar, all residents of Khanna.
- Police previously seized Rs 44,000 in cash, along with 11 mobile phones and a laptop used in the operation.
- Investigators suspect an international angle, with a Khanna native believed to be in Dubai acting as the key figure.
- Khanna police invoked Section 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the FIR.
- If convicted under the invoked provision, the accused could face up to seven years in prison.
Police said the Rs 42.3 lakh is suspected to have been accumulated through betting activity linked to IPL matches. Senior Superintendent of Police Darpan Ahluwalia stated that investigators will now scrutinise the transactions in detail to trace the money trail and determine who else may have benefited from the racket.
The arrests came days after officials dismantled a high-profile online betting setup that had been active during the IPL. On April 12, four accused were taken into custody, and the police investigation has been steadily expanding since then.
Who was arrested and what was seized
The individuals arrested—Dinesh Chhabra, Karan Chhabra, Mahinder Singh, and Naresh Kumar—are all reported to be residents of Khanna. Authorities allege they were running the illegal operation for a prolonged period, using digital channels to draw participants into placing bets.
During the initial crackdown, police seized Rs 44,000 in cash. Alongside the cash, 11 mobile phones and a laptop were also confiscated, with investigators saying these devices were used to facilitate and manage the betting activity.
International link and money laundering probe
Investigators have also pointed to a wider, cross-border dimension to the racket. A Khanna native, believed to be hiding in Dubai, is described as the suspected kingpin, with authorities alleging that the accused relied on multiple bank accounts and digital platforms to launder funds.
Police said the network allegedly lured people into betting on IPL games through international applications. As part of the deeper probe, investigators now plan to examine bank accounts belonging to family members and associates, which they believe may have been used to store additional proceeds from illegal earnings.
Central agencies are expected to be brought in to strengthen the case further. The Enforcement Directorate is likely to be involved as investigators look to widen the scope of the money laundering angle and connect the dots across accounts and digital touchpoints.
Officials also noted that the main accused—Dinesh and Naresh—have earlier cases registered under the Gambling Act. Police said the remaining accused have criminal backgrounds as well, adding another layer to the authorities’ case that the operation was not an isolated incident.
Legal action: Section 112 invoked
In a significant step, Khanna police invoked Section 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the FIR. The provision relates to organised petty crime, and officials said it is a stringent legal move aimed at cracking down on structured illegal betting networks.
Police indicated that this could be the first instance of Section 112 being applied in an IPL betting-related matter in the region. They added that, if the accused are found guilty, the maximum punishment could extend to seven years in prison.
