Hyderabad Police Crack Down on Online Betting Syndicate, Arrest 8

Fast Summary

• Police in Hyderabad arrested eight individuals linked to a gang running illegal betting operations via mobile applications.
• The suspects were apprehended during an operation by the south zone CommissionerS Task Force and SR Nagar police.
• Items seized include 18 mobile phones, three bank passbooks, 13 ATM cards, and frozen online transactions totaling ₹29.81 lakh.
• The arrested individuals were aged between 22 and 31; prime accused rajesh and Aslam remain absconding.
• The gang used apps such as Khelostar,Khelo24,Khelo Exchange,Khelo Sports,and Win Match for running betting activities.
• Investigation found the network operated using bank accounts from acquaintances linked to approximately 235 betting user IDs.
• Members provided punters with user IDs and equipment on commission for illegal betting. Some suspects migrated to Hyderabad seeking fast earnings through this activity.
• Arrests were made near Nagarjuna School in SR Nagar following a tip-off; investigations are ongoing under the Telangana Gaming Act (Case No: Cr. No. 681/2025).

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The crackdown reflects growing challenges for law enforcement amid rising use of digital platforms for illicit activities such as gambling. Mobile apps enable these operations to expand while bypassing customary surveillance mechanisms until detected.

The financial scale of ₹29.81 lakh tied to transactions underscores how widespread digital gambling networks can be despite existing regulations like the Telangana Gaming Act designed to curb them.

For policymakers in India, such cases amplify calls for stricter monitoring of payment gateways related to unregulated sectors like online gaming/betting markets-a space that appears ripe for manipulative exploitation yet presents regulatory gaps.

While this arrests showcase effective teamwork by Hyderabad’s police units addressing tech-driven crimes locally-monitoring migration patterns alongside employment trends may also shed light on root vulnerabilities pushing individuals toward these unlawful ventures amidst economic difficulties.

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