Rajasthan Police have dismantled a massive online betting syndicate valued at over ₹150 crore, arresting three individuals in Alwar—including a software engineer.
According to NDTV, the group operated around 30 betting websites that closely resembled the infamous Mahadev Satta platform. These sites enabled wagers on IPL matches, online casino games, and traditional formats like matka.
Alwar Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Nain revealed that the suspects built fake betting apps to lure users, then distributed winnings through digital payment platforms and hawala channels. Acting on an intelligence tip-off, the Udyog Nagar Police team detained Head Constable Sandeep from the cyber cell and launched a broader investigation that uncovered the full extent of the operation.
During the raid, police seized two laptops, six Android phones, a hard drive, 15 ATM cards, and an SUV.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Nitin Paliwal (Scheme No. 10B, Alwar), Mahesh Sharma (Apnaghar Shalimar), and Piyush Sharma (Shivaji Park, Mathura). Police intercepted Paliwal during his return from Agra. Data recovered from his devices led authorities to the rest of the network.
Investigators believe the group handled every aspect of the illegal operation—from creating the software to laundering the proceeds. The case adds to growing concerns over how tech-savvy criminal networks are expanding across India, especially in connection with cricket betting and digital fraud.
Currently, the suspects are in four-day custody. Police have also indicated plans to seize the syndicate’s assets under the organised crime provisions of the Indian Penal Code, reinforcing India’s commitment to cracking down on illegal gambling operations.
