CP Sajjanar Warns Youth Against IPL Betting, Flags Rise of Social Media Gambling

As the IPL season grips cricket fans across the country, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has issued a strong advisory urging the public especially youth to enjoy cricket purely as a sport and stay away from the growing menace of betting.

Highlighting a worrying trend, Sajjanar said that although governments have banned hundreds of betting apps in recent years, illegal gambling networks have evolved and resurfaced in more sophisticated forms. Instead of traditional apps, operators are now using Telegram channels, WhatsApp groups, and Instagram pages to lure users with “guaranteed wins” and quick-money schemes.

He warned that these platforms operate through encrypted and private networks, making them harder to trace, but assured that cybercrime teams are actively monitoring such activities. Strict legal action will be taken against social media influencers and promoters who advertise these illegal betting services for financial gain.

The warning comes amid a broader crackdown on betting networks in Telangana. Recent investigations have uncovered massive financial irregularities, including a ₹23,000 crore online betting syndicate involving shell companies and illegal money routing channels. This highlights the scale at which betting has grown from a local vice into a highly organized financial crime.

Despite enforcement efforts, illegal betting continues to thrive due to technological loopholes. Many banned platforms reappear as mirror websites, clone apps, or offshore operations , constantly changing domains to evade restrictions. Authorities note that this “cat-and-mouse” game makes regulation challenging, especially during high-profile events like the IPL.

Sajjanar also stressed that betting is not just a legal issue but a serious social threat. Studies and enforcement data suggest that India’s gambling ecosystem is worth billions, with a significant portion operating illegally. In states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, online betting is completely banned , and those involved can face strict penalties including imprisonment.

Beyond online platforms, police are also cracking down on offline betting hubs operating in farmhouses and hidden locations. Special surveillance teams have been deployed to track and dismantle such networks during the IPL season, when betting activity typically spikes.

The Commissioner cautioned that the promise of quick money often leads individuals into debt traps, cyber fraud, and financial ruin , with several cases in the past involving youth losing lakhs through such scams. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious betting activity immediately by dialing 100 or via WhatsApp at 94906 16555 .

With IPL historically linked to betting controversies including past spot-fixing scandals authorities are on high alert to prevent illegal activities from overshadowing the sport. Sajjanar concluded with a clear message: cricket should remain a celebration of sport, not a gateway to addiction and financial distress.