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In a major crackdown on illegal online gambling, Telangana CID dismantled a nationwide Dafabet betting network and arrested 11 accused involved in routing betting proceeds through a complex web of mule bank accounts across multiple states.
Hyderabad, June 1 (Najaf Ali Shoukat-PMI) : In a significant break through against illegal online betting, the Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) has busted a major betting racket linked to the online gambling platform Dafabet, arresting 11 persons from Gujarat, Delhi, and Punjab following a coordinated interstate operation.
The arrests were made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Telangana Government under the supervision of the CID Director General Charu Sinha IPS urb illegal online betting activities and safeguard citizens from financial exploitation and cyber fraud.
The case originated from a complaint lodged by Challa Sai Krishna Reddy, a software engineer from Karimnagar, who alleged that he had been lured into online betting through promotional campaigns run by Dafabet. Believing the platform’s promises of lucrative returns, he participated in betting activities between January 2024 and January 2025 and reportedly suffered losses amounting to ₹9.95 lakh.
Based on the complaint, the SIT registered Crime No. 343/2025 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Telangana State Gaming Act at Karimnagar-II Town Police Station.
Complex Money Trail Unearthed
Investigators traced the complainant’s funds through a network of 46 mule bank accounts spread across eight layers of transactions. According to officials, these accounts were used to collect, transfer, and conceal proceeds generated through illegal betting operations.
A detailed forensic analysis of bank records, mobile phones, email accounts, social media profiles, and WhatsApp groups exposed a sophisticated interstate network engaged in online gambling and financial fraud.
How the Network Operated
The accused allegedly promoted betting on cricket matches, casino games, and the Aviator platform through the Dafabet application. Users were attracted by promises of easy profits, attractive bonuses, and high returns.
Funds were collected through UPI payments, QR codes, internet banking, and multiple bank accounts controlled by the syndicate. To gain users’ confidence, initial winnings were paid out before victims were encouraged to place larger bets.
Multi-State Raids and Arrests
To track down the accused, six special teams headed by DSP-rank officers were dispatched to New Delhi, Gujarat, and Punjab. Despite repeated attempts by the suspects to evade arrest by frequently changing mobile phones, SIM cards, and locations, investigators successfully apprehended 11 individuals on May 29 following sustained surveillance and field operations.
Names of the Accused Arrested in the Dafabet Online Betting Case
- Manish Singh (24) – Gujarat
- Abhishek Singh (26) – Gujarat
- Igneshious Dass (27) – New Delhi
- Abhishek Wadhva (27) – New Delhi
- Mohd Halim (24) – South Delhi
- Love Kumar – Patiala, Punjab
- Simarpreeth Singh (41) – Ludhiana, Punjab
- Ajith Singh (27) – Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Vijay Patidar (25) – Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Yugal Patidar (24) – Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Prateek Praveen Bhai (25) – Gandhinagar, Gujarat
The arrested persons are being brought to Hyderabad on transit warrants and will be produced before the Judicial Magistrate of First Class (Special Mobile PCR Court), Karimnagar.
Luxury Vehicles, Electronics Seized
During the operation, CID officials seized:
- Three luxury vehicles, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia Seltos cars
- Eight laptops
- Two iPads
- Twenty-six mobile phones
- Five passports
- Cash amounting to ₹3,21,900
Nationwide Criminal Links
Investigators revealed that the accused were allegedly involved in similar online betting offences across several states. Data obtained from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) shows that 225 complaints and 73 criminal cases have been registered against members of the network in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
Officials described the racket as a well-organised pan-India operation with extensive financial and technological infrastructure.
Telangana’s Ongoing Crackdown
The Telangana Police have intensified efforts against illegal online betting by registering 414 cases against betting applications, identifying and facilitating the blocking of 108 betting apps through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and geo-fencing 37 platforms to restrict access within the state.
Authorities have also issued standard operating procedures for investigating officers, counselled 25 celebrities and social media influencers against promoting betting platforms, and launched awareness campaigns across the state to educate the public about the dangers of online gambling.
Public Warning
The CID reiterated that online betting and gambling are illegal in Telangana and urged citizens, particularly students and youth, to stay away from such platforms. Officials warned that participation in online betting can lead to severe financial losses, cybercrime victimisation, and legal action.
Members of the public can report illegal betting activities to the nearest police station or through the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930. (pressmediaofindia.com)
