Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 7: Since the beginning of Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament, high profile cricket betting cases have been on a rise in Mangaluru. However, not a single case has been reported or traced in the last couple years, motivating those who are involved in this illegal activity to conduct business freely.
Ever since Police commissioner Sandeep Patil took-charge of Mangaluru Police Commissionerate, he has taken cricket betting issue very seriously and has frequently warned people to not fall prey for cricket betting. A special drive was taken out under the aegis of Patil and four cases have been booked since IPL began on March 23 leading to the arrest of more than 14.
Cases reported in Mangaluru
On March 26, three persons Banukesh Shetty, James, Anil Raj were arrested. Police 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 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. They were involved in betting with a bookie in Goa.
On April 3, three persons, Kumar, Vishal, and Ashok were arrested at Kavoor. 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. Seven mobile phones, one laptop and Rs 2,770 were seized from their possession.
Cricket betting is being done online and via apps. The bookies target places like Mangaluru, Mumbai, Goa and Bengaluru. Sometimes betting will be done through a phone call. However, betting online dominates the business and is cunningly implemented by the bookies.
Speaking to daijiworld.com police commissioner Sandeep Patil said, "This year we have succeeded in breaking into the betting racket and arresting the bookies. The betting starts during sporting events. I have also appealed to people to not get involved in betting because I have seen many innocent people ruining their life and losing their money. I have requested people to give information regarding betting and also instructed officers to collect information and take strict action in betting cases.
“In last two weeks we have arrested more than 14 people. We have found that betting process in done online and we are also trying to trace the main bookies as they are operating from outside Mangaluru. We have got information about them too and soon will arrest bookies and take legal action against them,” he added.
"Everybody knows that during any sporting event there will be betting cases. I took up precautionary measures before hand,” added Sandeep Patil.
Active usage of social media
Police commissioner Sandeep Patil is active on social media and making use of the online platforms effectively. “All of us know that today social media is very powerful platform whether it is twitter or Facebook. So we in police department should make use of social media for a better outreach and to enhance transparency.”
"While it is not possible to reach out to everyone physically, virtually in the digital world it is possible. Through twitter I have appealed to the public to give us any information of any illegal activity going on in the area as well as suggestions to better the traffic situation in the city. Many people have responded to our appeals giving us information and suggestions. Even when cases are traced, I am giving information to the people through social media,” said Sandeep Patil.