Nellore, Gudur DSPs sent on Vacancy Reserve

Nellore: Cricket betting racket has been taking many twists with involvement of police officials, politicos, bookies, punters, and even some bigwigs in politics.

Freshly, Nellore police officials took action against their own personnel sending them to Vacancy Reserve (VR).DGP office issued orders late on Tuesday, sending Nellore city DSP G Venkata Ramudu and Gudur DSP B Srinivas to VR who were prima facie found to be involved in the irregularity extending their support to the bookies.

Highlights:

• The action has been taken by the DGP following a report submitted by Nellore SP
• 3 to 4 CIs are also suspected to be involved in the racket

The action was taken reportedly based on a report from PHD Ramakrishna, Superintendent of Police, Nellore, who has personally been investigating the case.

Some time ago, police arrested main bookie Krishna Singh of Nellore who has been operating the activity with the support of the then senior police officials and local top officials.

As soon as the new SP took charge he focused on the betting teams in and around city and found shocking facts as part of investigation.

Senior police officers, politicos, aides of legislators, close associates of a Minister, and many others reportedly involved in cricket betting with a huge network in the district. More than 100 people were allegedly involved in the activity which came to light through investigation.

The role of two DSPs also reportedly came to light through a bookie from BR Palem mandal who was acting as an agent to the police officials and the bookies had reportedly revealed the facts about the department role.

Police also had data of officials who were regularly collecting bribes from the bookies. Enquiry against role of a top official who worked in the district has been going on, sources said.

Not only two DSPs, action would also be taken against another 3-4 circle inspectors who also had played a key role in the illegal activity, they said.

The role of even people from the Opposition party reportedly involved in betting would be probed.Further, soon after key bookie Krishna Singh was arrested, a person from Nellore had filed a habeas corpus petition in the High Court and the hearing is scheduled to be held on August 7.

Meanwhile, district police officials are reportedly planning to show arrests of main bookies and punters who could turn into crucial witnesses in the case.Rumours spread in city that many Sub-Inspectors and constables would also be booked in the betting case.