Date:04/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/04/stories/2007050412060500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Matka racket busted

Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR: The Two Town police here busted a matka racket on Thursday and arrested seven persons including the operator. Seven cell phones, Rs. 2.02 lakh in cash were seized from their possession.

They were transacting with several groups involved in gambling in Kurnool district. Those arrested included -- S. Mahaboob Basha, operator, and Mohd. Shafi of Anantapur, P. Gopal and C. Ramu of Pamidi, D. Shankar of Pyapili and S.M. Basha and S.N. Ahmed of Kalluru.

Anantapur DSP G.S. Karunakar stated that Mahaboob Basha set up the matka company about one-and-half months back in Somnath Nagar and had been operating his illegal business with the help of six others by offering commission to them.

They established links with people involved in gambling in Pathikonda, Velugodu, Bethamcherla, Panyam and Banganapalle in Kurnool district.

They would lure the gullible by offering Rs. 80 to 90 for every rupee they play, in case of win, in two games called "night milan" and "rathan". The process of gambling would commence at 9 p.m and close at midnight. Acting on specific information, a team lead by Inspector B. Vijay Kumar raided the matka centre in Somnath Nagar and nabbed the gang.