Goshamahal Police Bust Online Betting Racket in Hyderabad, Habitual Offender ‘Idly Venu’ Arrested

Hyderabad: Goshamahal Police busted an online betting racket in Hyderabad and arrested Venugopal Sharma @ Idly Venu (59), who was allegedly organizing illegal cricket and racecourse betting activities from his residence in Begum Bazar. Police seized a OnePlus Nord mobile phone and ₹3,000 in cash during the raid. A case has been registered and the investigation is currently in progress.

According to police, the operation was carried out on May 29, 2026, based on credible information received by the Goshamahal Police Station team.

Raid Conducted at Begum Bazar House

Acting on the information, police conducted a raid at House No. 14-7-366, Narayan Bhavan, Begum Bazar, Hyderabad.

During the raid, police apprehended Venugopal Sharma @ Idly Venu (59 years) while he was allegedly organizing illegal cricket betting activities.

The accused has been identified as:

• A-1: Venugopal Sharma @ Idly Venu
• Son of Late Madanmohan Sharma
• Age: 59 years
• Occupation: Betting Organizer
• Resident of H.No. 14-7-366, Narayan Bhavan, Begum Bazar, Hyderabad

Police stated that the accused has been sent to judicial remand.

Betting Activities Operated Through WhatsApp

According to the police investigation, the accused was actively operating betting activities through WhatsApp and other communication channels.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to organizing cricket betting and racecourse betting under the name “Godavari Associates” along with his associates.

Police said he admitted to collecting betting amounts from punters through various intermediaries.

The accused also allegedly confessed to deleting WhatsApp chats related to the betting activities in an attempt to destroy and conceal evidence.

Habitual Offender Previously Involved in Betting Cases

Police described Venugopal Sharma @ Idly Venu as a habitual offender.

According to officials, he was previously involved in multiple betting-related cases registered at:

• Goshamahal Police Station
• Charminar Police Station

Seized Property

Police seized the following items from the accused:

• One OnePlus Nord Mobile Phone
  • Mobile Number: 9396445500
  • IMEI Number: 865276041897158
• Net cash of ₹3,000

Case Registered, Investigation Underway

A case has been registered as Crime No. 193/2026.

Police stated that further investigation is currently in progress to identify other persons involved in the betting operation and gather additional evidence.

Public Advisory Against Online Betting

Goshamahal Police issued a public appeal warning citizens against participating in betting and gambling activities.

Police stated that:

• Strict legal action will be initiated against all persons involved in online betting, including players, organizers, and promoters.
• Parents should closely monitor the online activities of their children and counsel them about the serious risks and legal consequences associated with gambling.
• Members of the public should avoid all forms of betting and gambling and immediately inform police about any such illegal activities.

Officers Behind the Operation

The operation was conducted under the supervision of:

• Sri G. Chandra Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Golconda Zone
• Sri K. Chandra Sekhar Reddy, ACP, Goshamahal Division

The raid was carried out with the active assistance of the staff of Goshamahal Police Station.

The press note was issued by B. Sravan Kumar, Inspector of Police, Goshamahal Police Station, Golconda Zone, Hyderabad.

Conclusion

Goshamahal Police arrested Venugopal Sharma @ Idly Venu (59) during a raid at Narayan Bhavan, Begum Bazar, Hyderabad, for allegedly organizing online cricket and racecourse betting through WhatsApp and other communication channels. Police registered Crime No. 193/2026, seized a OnePlus Nord mobile phone and ₹3,000 in cash, and sent the accused to judicial remand. The investigation into the online betting racket is ongoing.

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