IPL Betting Racket Busted in Nellore, 12 Arrested

Police in Nellore district have cracked an organised online cricket betting syndicate linked to the IPL, arresting 12 of its 14 members . Superintendent of Police Ajitha Vendl confirmed that two suspects are still absconding.

The key accused, Shaik Fariaz , along with his associate Konduru Vasu, is among those in custody. All arrested individuals have been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody , while a search is underway to nab the remaining accused.

The racket came to light following surveillance on known offenders and lodge inspections. On April 19, police carried out a raid at a private hotel in Magunta Layout under the Dargamitta police station limits. Investigators found that the group was running betting operations through an online platform, “Radhe Exchange,” using WhatsApp instructions from international sources and admin-level access.

During the operation, police seized ₹2 lakh in cash , along with 13 mobile phones and a television. The devices have been sent for forensic examination. The syndicate used around 28 bank accounts to channel funds, with key accounts in Axis Bank, RBL Bank, and HDFC Bank now frozen. Transactions were also routed through 14 PhonePe numbers linked to nine banks.

Financial records show that between April 2025 and April 2026, the group carried out 72 transactions worth nearly ₹37 lakh , including ₹29.8 lakh in debits and ₹7.2 lakh in credits.

Police said Fariaz acted as the main operator, while Shivagiri Ravikumar handled financial transactions.

Cases have been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, and the Information Technology Act. Police warned that involvement in online betting can lead to serious legal consequences and said further investigation is ongoing.