IPL season fuels surge in illegal cricket betting cases

Hubballi: Police have registered 28 cases of cricket betting in the city since the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches on March 28, including six cases at Old Hubballi police station, under the Police Commissionerate. Cricket betting cases are slowly rising in the city, despite police awareness efforts. Many youths continued to bet on the matches. Police have arrested 50 persons and seized cash worth Rs 6.6 lakh.According to a police source, since Jan, police registered 40 cases, arrested 64 persons involved in betting cases, and seized Rs 6.4 lakh. The gambling allegedly took place through a range of mobile applications and mobile calls. Police issued many warnings to individuals found participating in such illegal activities.Shruti NS, deputy commissioner of police (law & order), told TOI that the department has registered around 40 cases and arrested 64 persons. "Most of the cases were registered at Old Hubballi police station. We are monitoring such elements continuously. During rowdy parades, we are informing them not to involve in such gambling, giving them past examples. Betting is very dangerous as they can lose money and life. We have seen such cases, including suicides and suffering due to financial distress," she added.A police inspector said that approximately six cases have been registered. "In a major case, police seized Rs 5.5 lakh. A spot raid was conducted at Anand Nagar. We have seized Rs 2,000 to 10,000 in these gambling. We will be informing them about gambling and betting cases, telling them not to fall into this act," he informed.Babu Busad, a sports enthusiast from Hubballi, said the police alone cannot completely curb betting. "Parents should be educated and should be aware of such elements and prevent their wards from being involved. Parents of students must also monitor their wards. Many have suffered and lost lives due to betting. A lot of awareness and strict prevention of gambling are essential," he added.