Latest news with #AndhraPradeshGamingAct
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
Vizag cops bust interstate online betting racket, 13 held
Visakhapatnam: Vizag cybercrime police arrested 13 individuals in connection with an interstate online betting network after conducting a planned raid on a call centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The operation was launched following actionable intelligence and technical analysis, leading to the apprehension of those involved in illegal gambling. According to Vizag city police chief Shanka Brata Bagchi, the authorities recovered numerous items from the premises, including mobile phones, laptops, cheque books, bank passbooks, routers, cash-counting machines, ATM cards, SIM cards, and cameras, all of which were reportedly used to facilitate betting operations. Police officials assert that the gang was allegedly operating betting services associated with the Reddy Anna app and similar platforms. Items seized include 60 mobile phones, 13 laptops, 132 ATM cards, 137 bank passbooks, 33 cheque books, five webcams, three Wi-Fi routers, a money-counting machine, and two financial ledgers. During the course of investigation, it was revealed that a 31-year-old man from Vizag was introduced to online gambling by an acquaintance who convinced him to open multiple bank accounts. These accounts were used for dubious transactions, one of which reportedly involved Rs 14 lakh. Upon realising the fraudulent activities, he lodged a complaint with the police. One suspect, Konathala Jagadeesh from Anakapalli, was taken into custody in relation to the case. He was previously linked to the 'maharaja betting case' in Chhattisgarh. Under interrogation, Jagadeesh divulged the names of two other suspects: Gabbar, believed to be operating abroad, and Sagar Burman from Madhya Pradesh. A special team was constituted by the city police chief to probe the betting racket. This team conducted the raid at the Bengaluru call centre and subsequently tracked down additional suspects. Those arrested hail from Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The primary accused, Gabbar, is yet to be located, and police are continuing their search to apprehend him. The case has been registered under Sections 111(2), 319(2), and 318(4) read with 61(2) of the BNS, Sections 66-C and 66-D of the Information Technology Act, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act.
New Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
House panel in Andhra Pradesh seeks strict laws to curb loan, betting apps
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly's Petitions Committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker K Raghurama Krishna Raju, has called for stronger laws and systems to combat the rising threat of cybercrimes, particularly those involving fraudulent betting and loan apps. Speaking to the media at the Assembly premises, Raghurama said such apps have been deceiving thousands of unsuspecting individuals, causing serious financial and psychological harm. He was joined by committee members Anakapalli MLA Konatala Ramakrishna, Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, and Visakhapatnam North MLA P Vishnu Kumar Raju. On the occasion, the Deputy Speaker noted that a petition from Bhimavaram had been discussed by the committee, highlighting the need for urgent intervention. 'Betting and loan apps are destroying lives. In Telangana alone, 950 people were duped last year. Though exact numbers for Andhra Pradesh are unavailable, officials estimate thousands have been affected,' he said. At the national level, the lack of centralised data makes it difficult to gauge the full scale of the issue, Raghurama added. The committee discussed existing laws, the efforts of the police, and the need to further strengthen cybercrime legislation. Raghurama cited ongoing legal proceedings related to the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 2020, which some have challenged in court, arguing that skill-based games should not be banned. 'The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's directive to constitute a panel to define skill and chance-based games. Though the committee submitted its report in August 2023 and the State filed a counter in August 2024, the case is still pending,' Raghurama said. He urged the Advocate General to expedite the hearing. He emphasised the need for new legal provisions through the Assembly to effectively counter cyber fraud and protect citizens. The committee has invited officials from the IT and Home Departments to attend its next meeting on July 18 for further deliberations.
