Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Tinsukia: In a major crackdown on an alleged illegal IPL betting syndicate operating across Assam and beyond, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Guwahati Zonal Office, carried out overnight search operations at multiple locations in Tinsukia, Guwahati and New Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The searches, conducted late on May 26 and continuing through the night, led to the seizure of incriminating digital evidence, unaccounted cash worth Rs 13 lakh, luxury vehicles and the freezing of several bank accounts allegedly linked to illegal betting activities.
According to an official ED press release issued on Wednesday evening, the investigation relates to a “large-scale illegal IPL cricket betting racket” and the laundering of proceeds generated through the network.
The ED said the probe was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered at Crime Branch Police Station in Guwahati against Deepesh Bajoria, Ronak Bajoria, Rajesh Jain and others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970.
The investigation later expanded to Tinsukia after two additional FIRs were registered at Tinsukia Police Station against Bikash Beria, Nitin Beria, Suprit Biswas and others for allegedly operating similar illegal IPL betting activities linked to an interconnected syndicate.
According to ED officials, the accused persons allegedly operated a “well-organised, hierarchical and technologically enabled illegal betting and gambling racket” centred around IPL cricket matches.
The agency alleged that betting operations were managed through encrypted communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram, along with offshore online betting platforms.
Investigators further claimed that proceeds generated through betting were routed through both cash transactions and digital channels, including UPI and bank transfers, before being layered and projected as legitimate assets through networks of associates and family members spread across Guwahati, Tinsukia and Delhi.
Searches in Tinsukia and other locations reportedly targeted residential premises linked to Bikash Beria, Nitin Beria and other suspected associates.
The ED stated that several electronic devices, including mobile phones and storage media containing records of betting transactions and coded communications with punters and sub-agents, were seized during the operation.
The agency also seized three high-end vehicles — a Mercedes-Benz, an MG Hector and a Toyota Fortuner, suspected to have been acquired using proceeds of crime.
In addition, multiple bank accounts allegedly used for routing betting money have been frozen to prevent further movement of funds.
The ED said further investigation into the alleged racket is underway.