In a major crackdown, the Hyderabad police busted a well-organised online Satta betting network, arresting six individuals who ran a digital racket using fake social media accounts to target unsuspecting punters.
The arrests were made during a joint operation by the Commissioner’s Task Force (Central Zone) and Amberpet Police, following a tip-off.
Police raided a rented flat in Bathakammakunta, Bagh Amberpet, and apprehended the accused: Voddepelli Naveen (a carpenter), Pudari Sai Kiran, Soma Mahender, Bingi Sai Kiran, Bingi Avinash, and Sana Sai Preetham — all aged between 23 and 30.
Investigators revealed the gang had been operating from the flat for the past two months, paying Rs14,000 in monthly rent. They used unverified mobile numbers to create fake Facebook profiles promoting their betting services.
The group lured victims with promises of “number predictions” and charged registration fees between Rs1,000 and Rs2,000. To build credibility, they made promotional videos, with one member posing as a winner to entice others.
Bets were placed and payments made through QR codes, UPI apps, and mobile transfers. Once users deposited significant amounts, the results were rigged to ensure losses.
During the raid, police seized:
Rs79,000 in bank balances
17 mobile phones
A laptop, vehicles, and other digital assets
The total value of seized items is estimated at ₹20 lakh. All the accused and the recovered material have been handed over to Amberpet Police for further investigation.
