This Article is From May 21, 2013

'Betting kingpin' arrested in Chennai, Rs 4 lakh cash recovered

Chennai: Continuing its crackdown on cricket bookies, the Crime Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department in Chennai today arrested a suspected kingpin named Prashanth. It also recovered cash of around four lakh rupees from his residence.

A senior investigating officer told NDTV that Prashanth served as the president of bookies association in Chennai and handled "high-value customers." "We've sealed two locked cup boards in his house and are waiting for his wife's return to open them," the officer added.

Last week, the police had arrested six bookies and financiers who were allegedly involved in IPL cricket betting and had seized Rs 14 lakh in cash from their offices.

Police say investigation so far reveals no link between cricketers and these bookies. Explaining the modus operandi of the betting syndicate, they said cash transfer was done only through personal couriers. Betting, according to them, was taking place in the range of as low as hundred rupees to as high as a crore. Making a quick buck were a few financiers who pumped in money for the bookies.

Today, the police would seek custody of these men for further interrogation.

.