Four bookies held for betting on Champions Trophy

The Social Service Branch (SSB) of the city police on Thursday arrested four bookies for allegedly gambling on the ongoing Champions Trophy. The police have seized over 50 mobile phones and around Rs50 lakh in cash, including foreign currency, from the accused persons.

Those arrested have been identified as Bipin Shah, his brother Paresh, Anil Kamath and Pranay Gandhi. According to the police, on receipt of specific information, around 8.35pm, a raid was conducted in a flat in Vireshwar Heights building at PM Road in Vile Parle (E).

"The four were arrested red-handed while accepting bets on the match played between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab," said an SSB officer.

The police have seized 52 mobile phones, four laptops, Indian currency Rs65,000 and foreign currency worth Rs7.70 lakh from them. "We have also seized cash Rs40.73 lakh from Paresh's Borivli residence. We suspect this money was generated through illegal means," the officer said.

"From the analysis of the laptop, we have come across names of those persons who were dealing with the arrested accused. They have procured SIM cards providing bogus documents. Further interrogation will reveal whether more persons were involved with their syndicate," said another police officer.