What began as a frantic father's report of his son's kidnapping in Greater Noida has unraveled into a major bust of an international online betting racket. On June 12, 2025, Subhash Chandra, a resident of Alwar, Rajasthan, filed a complaint with the Kasna Police Station, claiming his son, Bhim Singh, 22, and nephew, Narayan, 25, had been abducted and a ransom of ₹7 lakh was demanded for their safe return.
The police swiftly launched an investigation, utilizing electronic surveillance to track the supposed kidnappers. Their efforts led them to White Orchid Apartments in Greater Noida. While the alleged victims weren't there, officers discovered a fully functional betting hub, complete with laptops, multiple mobile phones, fake IDs, and foreign SIM cards.
Interrogation of four young men found at the apartment revealed their involvement in an online betting syndicate operating through the banned "Rudra Cric Live" app. This app facilitated live cricket betting, distributing unique login IDs to users via WhatsApp. The investigation then led authorities to an 18th-floor flat at Radha Sky Garden, where they found Bhim and Narayan, alive and well. They, along with two other men, were running another branch of the same betting operation. In total, eight individuals, aged 19 to 31, have been arrested in connection with the racket.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saad Miya Khan confirmed that the kidnapping was a staged act. Bhim and Narayan allegedly lost around ₹10 lakh belonging to the syndicate. To recoup these losses, they concocted the kidnapping scheme, hoping to extort money from their families under the guise of a ransom. Unaware of the deception, relatives in Rajasthan even paid a portion of the ransom before involving the police.
The "Rudra Cric Live" app employed manipulative tactics, initially allowing users to win small amounts to entice them into placing larger bets, which inevitably led to losses. The syndicate's operations involved taking bets on live cricket matches, including predictions on scores, wickets, and match outcomes. The network was reportedly linked to handlers based in Thailand and Dubai, who provided fake documents, bank accounts, and SIM cards. Daily transactions were estimated at ₹30 lakh, with profits being transferred to overseas accounts.
Authorities are now scrutinizing digital records and bank accounts of the accused to determine the full scope of this criminal enterprise. The case has exposed the widespread nature of underground betting apps in India and how they manipulate users and launder money across borders.
