Police launched surprise raids at Gandhi Chhak Jagannath Colony and Rampur Hilltop Officers Colony under Brajrajnagar police limits in Jharsuguda district.
Officers arrested eight accused, including a key bookie, Rahul Sahu of Rajgangpur. The operation recovered Rs 5,09,100 in cash, froze Rs 3.7 lakh across multiple bank accounts, and seized 41 mobile phones, two laptops, an Innova Crysta, and a Maruti Baleno.
Among those arrested were Govind Das Mohant (26), Akash Srivastav (25), Vishal Kumar Ravi (27), Bhim Kumar Ram (35), Manu Singh (25), Shankar Prasad Ram (35), and Rajiv Kumar (19). Police presented details at a press conference led by Jharsuguda SP Gundala Reddy Raghavendra, with Brajrajnagar IIC Dhableswar Sahu and Inspector Purnima Oram present.
Investigators revealed the accused were part of a larger interstate betting syndicate with high-level handlers. They lured locals into gambling by promising quick profits, causing severe social and economic distress to families. Police froze accounts linked to the syndicate and confirmed that the mastermind would be arrested soon.
The raids began at Hilltop Officers Colony, where police arrested three suspects and seized Rs 2,34,100 along with 24 mobile phones and a laptop. Later, at Gandhi Chhak Jagannath Colony, officers arrested four more suspects, recovering Rs 2,75,000, 16 mobile phones, a laptop, and an Innova vehicle. The entire operation concluded by late afternoon.
Police stated that the accused misused cricket live apps to run betting networks. The crackdown marks a major step in dismantling organised gambling activities in Jharsuguda district.
