Hyderabad Police Crack Down on Black-Market Ticket Sales for T20 Match
Arrests Made in Ticket Scalping Case
The Hyderabad Police have detained four individuals for their involvement in the illegal resale of complimentary tickets for the upcoming fourth T20 International match between India and the West Indies, set to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday. Authorities confiscated 11 match passes labeled 'NOT FOR SALE'.
Details of the Police Operation
The Goshamahal Police conducted the operation after receiving tips about the unauthorized ticket sales at inflated prices. During the raid, they seized eight passes for a Navratri event, ₹5,000 in cash, four mobile phones, and a two-wheeler.
Investigation Reveals Ticket Source
The case unfolded when Assistant Sub-Inspector V Janardhan Naik was alerted about the ticket sales near SD Mall in Begum Bazar on October 12. While patrolling around 9 PM, Naik and Constable G Sai Kumar apprehended Avinash Darak, 24, and Mohit Somani, 30. They recovered 11 complimentary cricket tickets, eight Dandiya passes, cash, mobile phones, and a scooter from the suspects.
Upon interrogation, the duo revealed that they had acquired the cricket tickets from Akarshit Srivastava, who was promoting them on social media at inflated prices. Further inquiries indicated that Akarshit obtained the tickets from his father, Satish Chandra Srivastava, a member of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, and distributed them to Darak. Darak, with the help of his brother-in-law Somani, advertised the tickets online, leading to sales at exorbitant rates.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
The four suspects—Akarshit Srivastava, Avinash Darak, Mohit Somani, and Satish Chandra Srivastava—were arrested on October 13 and placed in judicial custody. The Goshamahal Police have filed charges under Sections 112(1) and 318(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 21(gg) of the CP Act. The investigation is still ongoing.
Advice for Cricket Enthusiasts
Authorities have urged cricket fans to buy tickets exclusively from authorized sources and to refrain from engaging with unauthorized sellers on social media. They also warned against the purchase or sale of complimentary tickets marked 'NOT FOR SALE', as such actions could lead to legal consequences.
Match Overview
This incident arises just before the fourth T20I match between India and the West Indies in Hyderabad. Currently, India leads the five-match series 2-1 and aims to secure a decisive victory, while the West Indies are looking to equalize the series before the final match in Bengaluru on Saturday.