The SIT has been directed to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation into online betting cases and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. It has been given a 90-day deadline to submit a comprehensive report to the government.
Published Mar 31, 2025 | 6:07 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 31, 2025 | 6:07 PM
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy (X)
Synopsis: Telangana government has formed a SIT to tackle the rampant menace of online betting platforms in the state. Headed by state IG M Ramesh, it has been tasked with probing legal loopholes, tracking financial flows, and suggesting policy changes to strengthen regulation and enforcement.
The Telangana government is stepping up efforts to curb the spread of online betting apps.
After announcing his intent in the Telangana Assembly, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which will work under the supervision of Shikha Goel, Director General of the Crime Investigation Department (CID).
The SIT will be led by Inspector General of Police M Ramesh. Its members include Superintendent of Police (Intelligence) Ch Sindhu Sharma, Superintendent of Police (CID) K Venkata Lakshmi, Additional Superintendent of Police S Chandrakanth, and Deputy Superintendent of Police M Shankar.
The SIT has been directed to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation into online betting cases and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. It has been given a 90-day deadline to submit a comprehensive report to the government.
Speaking on the issue in the Assembly on 25 March, Revanth Reddy said his government was committed to taking stern action against these platforms.
While acknowledging the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government’s 2017 law targeting online betting, he criticised former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao for failing to implement it effectively.
The growing number of online betting platforms has raised concern, particularly among middle- and upper-middle-class families, due to their potential to exploit vulnerable players.
Several platforms – notably Junglee Rummy, A23 Rummy, Yolo247, Fairplay Live, and Jeet Win – have become popular, with endorsements from celebrities and social media influencers.
Actors Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj were among the most high-profile celebrities accused of promoting such platforms through pop-up advertisements.
Actors Vijay Deverakonda, Lakshmi Manchu, Praneetha, and Nidhi Agarwal have also promoted online betting platforms in the past. In addition, 19 social media influencers have been booked for similar endorsements.
Following the government’s crackdown, police have registered cases against several individuals. Miyapur police booked 25 people, including actors and influencers. Panjagutta police registered cases against 11 celebrities, including television actors, anchors, and YouTubers.
The state government took a firm stand following reports of individuals being drawn into betting scams and suffering major financial losses.
One restaurant worker, Bandaru Venkatesh, reportedly lost ₹13.67 lakh on platforms such as Parimatch and Lotus 365.
In another case, Puli Kumar Reddy from Visakhapatnam is said to have lost ₹3 crore over four years.
The SIT has also been tasked with examining the broader ecosystem that facilitates online betting and gaming, and recommending reforms to tackle the issue.
It will evaluate the legal provisions, regulations, and restrictions that could be introduced to prevent the organisation, promotion, and advertising of online betting and gaming. The team will also suggest appropriate legal action in the public interest.
Furthermore, the SIT will study the roles and responsibilities of central and state agencies involved in regulating online gaming.
These include the Information Technology (IT) Department, Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Department of Prosecution.
It will also propose measures to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
The SIT has also been asked to recommend policy and regulatory changes for payment systems and financial institutions, to help detect and block transactions linked to illegal betting and gambling. These recommendations will be submitted to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Finally, it will analyse the financial flow at different levels to ensure compliance with regulations set by the government, the RBI, and other relevant agencies.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
