In a significant crackdown on illegal betting, two separate incidents were reported in Goa on 04/04/2025, leading to the arrest of five individuals involved in betting on the ongoing IPL 2025 matches. Both operations were part of coordinated efforts by local police under the supervision of senior officers.
The first operation, led by Assistant Sub Inspector Santosh Surya Govenkar of the Crime Branch Ribandar, took place at Shardha Apartment, Behind Chodankar Hospital, Alto Porvorim, Bardez, Goa. Between 20:45 hrs and 22:50 hrs, three accused—Tigulla Shrinivas (39), Gaddala Kiran Kumar (37), and Annathapuram Shravankumar (36)—were caught red-handed while accepting bets on their mobile phones and online, linked to the IPL 2025 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians.
The police seized three mobile phones, one laptop, and additional gaming accessories, with an estimated value of Rs. 1.80 lakh. The three accused were arrested and booked for illegal betting activities. The operation was carried out by IO ASI Santosh Govenkar under the guidance of PI Tushar Lotlikar, ensuring compliance with all Supreme Court guidelines.
In another case, Police Sub Inspector Sanket Hemchandra Talkar of the Porvorim Police Station filed a complaint at 01:59 hrs regarding a similar illegal betting operation. This incident occurred on 04/04/2025 at 22:45 hrs at C-2 Villa, Lusitana, Raghavan Green Sucorro, Bardez, Goa. The accused, Shri. Gor Jigneshkumar Ashwinbhai (46) and Shri. Zala Kishankumar Jayantibhai (29), were caught accepting online and mobile phone bets during the same IPL match.
Police seized two mobile phones, one laptop, and other betting-related accessories, valued at approximately Rs. 80,000. Both accused were arrested and charged with illegal betting. This operation was led by IO PSI Akash Chodankar, with supervision from PI Rahul Parab, SDPO Vishwesh Karpe, and SP Akshat Kaushal, IPS, who ensured that all necessary legal procedures were followed.
These successful operations highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Goa to curb illegal betting activities tied to major sporting events like the IPL, with strict adherence to legal guidelines ensuring the protection of public interest.