Nagpur: The Pardi Police have uncovered an illegal cricket betting racket that was actively operating during the high-voltage India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match. Acting on precise intelligence, the police conducted a raid on Flat No. 36, Ashirwad Apartment, F-2/20, Pardi, Nagpur, where the accused was reportedly accepting bets in real time as the match progressed.

During the operation, police apprehended the accused, identified as Mithilesh Prayagnarayan Choudhari, aged 38. He was found placing and accepting bets using multiple digital devices. The police seized a total of 2 mobile phones, 1 laptops, a DVR system, and other accessories used to coordinate cricket betting activities. Cash amounting to ₹18,085 was also recovered from the scene.

Officials stated that the accused was in direct contact with clients over the phone, updating scores and rates while facilitating online betting on the India–Pakistan match.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) along with provisions of the Maharashtra gambling laws. Police have initiated further investigation to trace additional individuals involved in the betting network. Senior officials—including Commissioner of Police Nagpur City Ravindra Kumar Singhal, Joint Commissioner Nandanchandra Reddy, Additional CP (South Region) Gajanan Rajole, DCP (Zone 5) Niketan Kadem, and ACP Rohit Aolekar—supervised the operation.

The raid was executed by PSI Sunilkumar Kakade, PO Arvind Kolhe, and their team from Pardi Police Station. Authorities emphasized that strict action will continue against those running illegal betting setups, especially during major cricket tournaments, to ensure law and order in the city.