In a startling turn of events, a routine complaint lodged during the weekly ‘Police Spandana’ grievance redressal program in Steel City unveiled a multi-crore online cricket betting racket. This gripping story not only highlights the significance of citizen engagement but also sheds light on the intricate world of illegal betting.
It all began with a complaint from a distressed individual, Yerra Sattibabu, who had fallen victim to online cricket betting, resulting in a staggering loss of Rs 8 lakh. What seemed like an unfortunate personal setback would soon become the catalyst for a significant police operation.
Responding swiftly to Sattibabu’s grievance, City Police Commissioner A Ravi Sankar initiated a comprehensive investigation. Little did they know that this inquiry would unearth a web of deceit and a trail of financial transactions that spanned years.
As investigators delved deeper into the case, they made shocking discoveries. The police identified 11 individuals directly involved in the betting racket and promptly arrested them. Additionally, they froze a staggering 63 bank accounts associated with the illegal activities.
The most astonishing revelation was the scale of financial transactions. International transactions amounting to a staggering Rs 367 crore had been conducted through 36 bank accounts over the past two years. In response, the police took swift action, urging bank authorities to seize Rs 75 lakh held in these accounts.
Sattibabu’s journey into the world of online cricket betting was orchestrated by a close relative, Suribabu. Lured by the promise of quick gains, Sattibabu ventured into betting but soon realized that he was being deceived. Faced with mounting losses, he made the courageous decision to approach the police and formally lodge a complaint, setting the wheels of justice in motion.
The 11 individuals arrested in connection with the racket were identified as Merupu Reddy Suribabu, Handa Dinesh Kumar, Barri Srinu, Gurram Siva, Killadi Srinivas Rao, Allu Nookarju Avinash, Uriti Kondababu, Uraiti Venkateswarlu, Sundarapu Ganesh, Duli Nookaraju, and Vuppu Vasudevarao. They have all been remanded in custody, awaiting legal proceedings.
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Investigations revealed that Suribabu, originally from Rambilli in Anakapalle district, was the mastermind behind this elaborate scam. Initially participating in online betting through various mobile applications, he eventually acquired authorization for the ‘exch666’ app, transforming into a full-fledged bookie.
Suribabu’s modus operandi was both cunning and effective. As a host, he would strategically take the website and mobile app offline during international cricket matches and IPL games. This ensured that once bets were placed, they could not be altered. When questioned about any incurred losses, Suribabu would attribute them to the app handler, absolving himself of responsibility. This method allowed him to amass profits ranging from Rs 5 crore to Rs 6 crore per match.
The illicit proceeds were subsequently funneled through Dinesh Kumar, who worked at a travel agency in Suryabagh. Kumar imposed a 2 percent commission on each transaction, profiting from the criminal enterprise.
To maintain their operation’s clandestine nature, the accused used specialized software designed to deceive unsuspecting individuals, further complicating the investigation.
