The Navghar police have raided a lodge at Golden Nest in Bhayandar and arrested two bookies for their involvement in an online cricket betting racket. The incident happened on Friday night.
On a specific tip-off, a team led by Senior Police Inspector Sampatrao Patil raided the Jaya Mahal Lodge in the Golden Nest of Bhayandar (east) and busted a betting racket on ongoing IPL tournament.
The arrested persons have been identified as Shailendra Singh Malawat (47) and Sumeet Prakash Jain (38). On Friday night, during a match between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, police caught them red-handed while accepting and placing bets. The IPL T20 tournament is going on in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
Police have seized smartphones, SIM cards, laptops and a television set worth more than Rs one lakh from their possession. “They acquired the room by producing a fake identity. So, establishing the involvement of the lodge owner and manager is uncertain. However, we are investigating the case. If their connection found then appropriate action will be taken,” said Sampatrao Patil, Sr.PI.
Meanwhile, Police has registered a case under the relevant sections of the IPC, Indian Telegraph Act, 1985 and Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act, 1987. Thane Sessions Court has remanded both the accused in Police custody till November 4.
Lodges and hotels have turned into dens for notorious and illegal activities in the twin city. However, police have not taken any action against the lodge operator who facilitated the illegalities in his premises. This happened although the accused impersonated another person by using a different Aadhar Card to procure the room.
Earlier action
Earlier, Navghar Police in Bhayandar has arrested the duo for their involvement in a similar crime. MBVV Police arrested two bookies — Vijay Tiwari and Rakesh Sharma — for alleged involvement in an online betting racket.
Acting on a tip-off, police raided a shop in Sai Baba Nagar in Bhayandar (East) and arrested the duo.
