ED Conducts Raids in Guwahati and New Delhi Over IPL Betting Scandal
Enforcement Directorate's Investigation into IPL Betting
Representational Image (Photo - @Vaibhavsooryava / X)
Guwahati, May 28: The Guwahati Zonal Office of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has executed search operations across several locations in Guwahati, Tinsukia, and New Delhi. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into a significant illegal betting racket associated with IPL cricket and the laundering of funds generated from these activities.
The ED's inquiry was prompted by an FIR filed by the Crime Branch Police Station in Guwahati against individuals including Deepesh Bajoria, Ronak Bajoria, and Rajesh Jain, citing violations of various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970.
Following this, two additional FIRs were lodged by the Tinsukia Police against Bikash Beria, Nitin Beria, Suprit Biswas, and others, linked to similar illegal betting operations conducted by a connected syndicate.
Investigations have uncovered that the accused were running a sophisticated and technologically advanced illegal betting and gambling operation focused on IPL matches. Bets were solicited and processed via mobile phones using encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram, as well as through offshore online betting sites.
Searches were carried out at the residences of Deepesh Bajoria, Ronak Bajoria, Rajesh Jain, Vikash Agarwal, Suprit Biswas, Bikash Beria, Nitin Beria, and Durga Prasad Beria, along with a commercial establishment known as ‘Roycee’ (formerly ‘Playboy’) in Guwahati.
During these operations, unaccounted cash totaling Rs 13 lakh was seized, along with three luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz, an MG Hector, and a Toyota Fortuner, believed to have been purchased with the proceeds of illegal activities.