Cuttack: Amid the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 tournament, Odisha Police have launched a massive statewide crackdown on illegal betting activities linked to IPL matches, registering multiple cases and arresting 18 persons involved in the racket.
According to an official statement, four cases have been registered in different districts during the special enforcement drive. Police seized ₹36,85,200 in cash, while bank accounts containing ₹39,42,611 allegedly linked to betting operations have been frozen.
Besides the arrests, police also confiscated 13 mobile phones and two cars allegedly used in the illegal betting network.
Among all districts, Puri Police recorded the biggest haul in the anti-betting operation. In one case registered in the district, four persons were arrested and ₹25,35,000 in cash was seized. Police also froze ₹31,81,244 kept in bank accounts and seized six mobile phones from the accused.
In Sundargarh district, police arrested five persons in connection with a betting racket. During the raid, officials seized ₹6 lakh in cash, froze ₹17,61,367 in bank accounts, and confiscated five mobile phones allegedly used for betting activities.
Jharsuguda Police arrested the highest number of accused in a single operation, apprehending eight persons linked to a major betting network. Police seized ₹5 lakh in cash along with two cars reportedly used in the illegal operation.
In Berhampur, police arrested one accused and seized ₹50,200 in cash and two mobile phones from his possession.
Odisha Police said the special drive against illegal betting syndicates and anti-social activities would continue in the coming days to curb organised crime and maintain law and order across the state.
