Hyderabad police arrest alleged betting organiser
Sharma was allegedly using WhatsApp and other communication platforms to coordinate betting operations.
India.- A 59-year-old has been arrested by Hyderabad police for allegedly organising online betting on cricket and horse racing. Officers from Goshamahal Police Station raided a property in Begum Bazar and arrested the suspect, identified as Venugopal Sharma, also known as Idly Venu, on Friday, May 29.
Police said Sharma was allegedly using WhatsApp and other communication platforms to coordinate betting operations and accept wagers under the name “Godavari Associates”. Police say Sharma routinely deleted betting-related WhatsApp conversations to conceal evidence. They seized a mobile phone and ₹3,000 in cash.
Authorities said Sharma had been previously been implicated in other betting-related cases registered at Goshamahal and Charminar police stations. A case has been registered under Crime No. 193/2026, and investigations remain ongoing.
