Several families in Fatehabad have allegedly lost their life savings, jewellery and hard-earned money after children and youngsters got trapped in online betting during the ongoing IPL season, gambling activities prompting the district police to intensify action against cricket bookies and illegal gaming networks.
The Fatehabad police have launched a major crackdown on online betting and gambling activities across the district. Continuous raids and cyber surveillance have created panic among those linked to illegal betting networks.
The police said a zero-tolerance policy hadbeen adopted against online gaming and cricket betting. Joint teams of the cyber cell, CIA units and local police stations are carrying out operations based on technical surveillance, cyber tracking and secret information.
During the crackdown, the police busted several organised betting networks allegedly targeting youths with promises of quick money and easy profits.
According to police data, six cases related to online gambling and cricket betting were registered between April 1 and May 20 this year, compared to three cases during the same period last year, showing a sharp increase in police action.
The police also recovered mobile phones, electronic devices, banking records and other material worth lakhs of rupees from the accused.
Action against gambling has also been intensified. While two gambling cases were registered during the same period last year, four such cases have been registered this year.
The police said financial transactions, bank accounts and illegal earnings linked to betting networks were also being investigated.
SP Nikita Khattar said online gaming and cricket betting were becoming a serious threat not only to law and order but also to the future of youngsters. She said many youths were losing money in the lure of quick earnings and later facing financial stress and mental pressure.
Khattar appealed to parents to monitor the online activities of their children and make them aware about the dangers of cybercrime and online betting. She also urged the youngsters to focus on education, sports and positive activities instead of illegal online gambling.
