3 Bookies ‘CLEAN BOWLED’ by Cops? Rs 4.25 Lakh & 5 Mobile Phones Seized
Mangaluru: Cops are cracking down very seriously on cricket betting, under the direction of Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil. Ever since Sandeep Patil took charge as Police Commissioner, he has been very strict on those violating traffic rules, creating nuisances and crimes, and above all, he has come down hard on cricket betting- where in the last few days, quite a few bookies have been arrested, since IPL began on March 23 leading to the arrest of more than 14.
On March 26, police arrested three persons Banukesh Shetty, James, Anil Raj, and seized Rs 62,700 and four mobile phones which were used in online cricket betting. On March 29, three persons Bharathesh, Shriyan, Mahanthesh were arrested by police at Kulai and Rs 43,000 along with 3 mobile phones were seized. On March 30, two persons Lakshith and Nithin were arrested. Rs 3.96 lac, car and mobiles were seized from their possession, who were involved in betting with a bookie in Goa. On April 3, three persons, Kumar, Vishal, and Ashok were arrested at Kavoor, and Rs 26,000 and four mobile phones were seized from their possession. On April 6, four persons Haji Ismail, Ismail, Joseph and Jerald were arrested at Bejai, and Seven mobile phones, one laptop and Rs 2,770 were seized from them.
Now adding to the 14, three more bookies were arrested on Tuesday, 9 April by the City Crime Branch personnel near Matadakani, and seized from the culprits Rs 4.25 in cash and five mobile phones. Police have identified the accused as Sunil Melvyn Rego (42) and Santhosh John (47) whoa re residents of Matadakani; and Ashok Anchan (46) a resident of Ullal.
On interrogation, the bookies revealed that they were reporting to Arun Monteiro and Kiran, who are based in Dubai. Police also confirmed the involvement of several others and a hunt is on to apprehend them. Explaining the modus operandi of the gang, the cops said that bets were being placed and money disseminated to punters through an app named “BETPRO”. According to police, those placing bets had to download the app, get it recharged and also obtain a password by paying money to the operators.
In the meantime, addressing reporters, Sandeep Patil has said that stringent action was being taken to check cricket betting during the IPL season. Operations of certain groups indulging in betting at various centres and online were being continuously monitored. Until now we have arrested 17 people, and we have found out that betting process in done online and therefore we are also trying to crack down on those bookies who are dealing in this business from outside Mangaluru. We have clues regarding these bookies, and very soon we will catch them and take legal action against them”