The Punjagutta police booked a case involving the widespread use of illegal online betting applications.
The complaint lodged by Vinay Vangala (40), a private employee from Matrushrinagar, raises concerns over mobile apps and websites promoting gambling activities in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
According to the complaint, Mr. Vinay has been attending training classes in Ameerpet and observed that several students were frequently discussing betting apps on social media. “He claimed that these platforms, which are aggressively promoted online, were targeting young adults and the general public, making gambling easily accessible,” he said in his complaint. The apps, he stated, were contributing to financial distress among users.
Mr. Vinay admitted that he himself had been influenced by these betting applications and had considered investing in one but refrained after being cautioned by his family. He provided details of influencers allegedly promoting these platforms, including their social media handles and the names of betting apps.
“The complaint alleges that these apps have facilitated transactions worth thousands of crores and urged authorities to take swift action to curb their spread. He also expressed willingness to assist in further investigation,” said the police.
Based on the complaint, Punjagutta police registered a case invoking Sections 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 3, 3A, and 4 of the Gaming Act, and Section 66D of the IT Act. Investigations are underway.
Published – March 17, 2025 06:31 pm IST