Cuttack: With the IPL 2026 season underway, the Odisha Police have carried out a major statewide crackdown on illegal betting, exposing multiple rackets and arresting 18 people.

Official sources stated police registered four cases related to IPL betting across different districts. During the raids, a substantial amount of cash, vehicles, and mobile phones used in the illegal operations were seized.

In total, cash worth ₹36.85 lakh was recovered from across the state, while ₹39.42 lakh in various bank accounts linked to the betting network has been frozen. Police also seized two cars and 13 mobile phones from those involved in the racket.

In Puri, police achieved the biggest breakthrough. In one case, four persons were arrested and cash amounting to ₹25.35 lakh was seized. Additionally, ₹31.81 lakh in bank accounts was frozen, and six mobile phones were confiscated.

In Sundargarh district, police arrested five individuals in connection with a betting case. They seized ₹6 lakh in cash, froze bank deposits worth ₹17.61 lakh, and recovered five mobile phones.

The Jharsuguda police busted another major racket, arresting eight accused persons. They seized ₹5 lakh in cash and two cars used in the betting activities.

Meanwhile, in Berhampur, police arrested one person and seized ₹50,200 in cash along with two mobile phones.

Police official sources further stated the crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to curb illegal betting and ensure a crime-free environment in the state. Strict action against such unlawful activities will continue in the days ahead.