IPL Betting Racket Busted Across Odisha; 18 Held, Over ₹36 Lakh Seized

Cuttack: Odisha Police have intensified action against illegal IPL betting operations during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season, arresting 18 persons in a statewide crackdown conducted across multiple districts.

Police said four separate cases were registered during the special drive targeting betting syndicates and organised illegal gambling networks operating during IPL matches.

During the operation, officials seized ₹36.85 lakh in cash and froze bank accounts containing more than ₹39.42 lakh suspected to be connected to betting transactions. Thirteen mobile phones and two vehicles allegedly used in the racket were also confiscated.

Puri district witnessed the biggest seizure in the crackdown. Police arrested four persons and recovered ₹25.35 lakh in cash. Authorities also froze bank deposits worth ₹31.81 lakh and seized six mobile phones from the accused.

In Sundargarh, five persons were taken into custody in connection with another betting racket. Police recovered ₹6 lakh in cash, froze ₹17.61 lakh kept in bank accounts, and seized five mobile phones allegedly used for IPL betting activities.

Jharsuguda Police carried out another major raid and arrested eight persons, the highest number of accused held in a single case during the drive. Officials seized ₹5 lakh in cash along with two cars reportedly used in the illegal operation.

In a separate case in Berhampur, police arrested one person and seized ₹50,200 in cash and two mobile phones from his possession.

Odisha Police said the enforcement drive against illegal betting and anti-social activities will continue across the state to curb organised crime and maintain law and order during the IPL season.