Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force, South Zone Team, along with SR Nagar Police, arrested eight individuals for running an illegal online betting racket through mobile applications. The accused used platforms such as Khelostar, Khelo24, Kehlo Exchange, Khelo Sports, and Winmatch to facilitate betting operations.
Acting on a tip-off, the teams conducted a raid near Nagarjuna School in SR Nagar. They apprehended the suspects and seized 18 mobile phones, 3 bank passbooks, 13 ATM cards, and online transaction records worth ₹29,81,000.
Police identified the arrested as G. Vinay Kumar, N. Sai Vardhan Goud, D. Rahul, D. Jeshwanth Teja, Joda Venu Gopal, Kola Ram, Velpula Akash, and D. Pranay—all originally from Jagtial and Peddapalli districts but currently residing in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, two key suspects, Rajesh and Aslam from Karimnagar, are still absconding.
Investigators revealed that Rajesh and Aslam moved to Hyderabad in search of work but eventually built a betting network using mobile apps. They created user IDs, distributed phones, and provided login credentials to punters for a commission. In addition, they acquired bank accounts from unsuspecting individuals to route winnings and deposits.
Further inquiries showed the group operated as many as 235 user IDs, earning illegal profits by exploiting digital platforms. Most members of the gang had relocated to Hyderabad from rural districts, lured by the promise of easy income.
After the arrests, authorities handed over the suspects and seized items to SR Nagar Police. Officials registered a case under Cr. No. 681/2025, citing Sections 3 and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act. Investigations are currently ongoing.
Inspector S. Raghavendra led the operation with support from Sub-Inspectors Mohd Samiuz Zama, M. Mahesh, N. Naveen, and Task Force personnel, working closely with SR Nagar Police.