Puri, June 24: In a major breakthrough against illegal IPL betting operations in Odisha, Puri Police have arrested the alleged mastermind of a high-profile betting syndicate that was operating in the Baselisahi area of the pilgrim town.

The accused has been identified as Krishnaprasad Tripathy alias Situ, who is believed to be the chief operator of the controversial betting network known as the “Namaste Group.” He had been absconding since April, when police first unearthed the IPL betting racket.

Acting on intelligence inputs, a special team of the Puri Cyber Police conducted a raid in Berhampur and detained Situ along with his brother. The duo was subsequently taken to Baidyanathpur Police Station, where they were subjected to extensive questioning.

According to police sources, the investigation has revealed several startling details. Scrutiny of Situ’s bank accounts reportedly uncovered evidence of illegal financial transactions worth several crores of rupees. Investigators suspect that the betting network handled large-scale online transactions linked to IPL matches.

The racket was allegedly operated through digital platforms, enabling the movement of betting funds during the IPL season. Following preliminary interrogation, police brought Situ to Puri for further investigation into the case.

Officials believe the betting syndicate may have a much wider network extending beyond Puri and Berhampur. Police have indicated that seeking Situ’s custodial remand could help uncover the identities of other major bookmakers, financiers, and associates involved in the operation.

“The roots of this IPL betting racket appear to run deep. Further interrogation of the accused may lead to the exposure of additional members of the network and reveal the full scale of the illegal operation,” a police official said.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are examining financial records, digital evidence, and possible interstate links connected to the betting syndicate.