Police bust cricket betting racket in Palnadu district, six arrested

Six persons were arrested in Palnadu district for allegedly running an illegal cricket betting racket, and cash along with electronic devices was seized during a late-night raid, Superintendent of Police B. Krishna Rao said on Tuesday (April 7, 2026).

Special teams acting on credible information busted the racket under the Narasaraopet Two Town police station limits.  

The accused were identified as Shaik Khaseemsha (55), Shaik Mastan Vali (42), Pasupuleti Nagaraju (33), Shikha Chakravarthi (45), Shaik Rafi Jan (38), and Patela Venkateswara Rao (35). Police seized ₹4.58 lakh in cash, six mobile phones and a laptop from the premises.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Khaseemsha and Mastan Vali masterminded the operation by luring cricket enthusiasts into online betting through links procured from other accused, who are currently absconding.

The network was allegedly expanded by purchasing betting links and circulating them among potential users. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the AP Gaming Act and the IT Act.

The SP warned that stringent action against organisers, participants and those facilitating such illegal activities. He urged youth to stay away from betting and focus on education and employment.