‘Online betting and gambling network’: I-T raids at 35 locations in Tricity, Rajpura

The raids, which began at 6 am on Thursday, targeted more than a dozen firm owners suspected of running betting and gambling apps while evading taxes.

By: Express News Service

Chandigarh | September 18, 2025 10:12 PM IST

1 min read

Preliminary findings suggest tax evasion exceeding Rs 500 crore, with investigators also probing evidence of money laundering through hawala channels, benami bank accounts. (Credit: Pixabay)

The income tax department of Chandigarh has launched a crackdown on an alleged online betting and gambling network, raiding over 35 locations across Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali and Rajpura.

The raids, which began at 6 am on Thursday, targeted more than a dozen firm owners suspected of running betting and gambling apps while evading taxes. According to officials, the operation involved over 250 officers, including senior officers who conducted simultaneous searches at multiple premises.

Preliminary findings suggest tax evasion exceeding Rs 500 crore, with investigators also probing evidence of money laundering through hawala channels, benami bank accounts.

Officials said that two Dubai-based individuals are also linked to the racket. While they remain outside the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh IT department, efforts are underway to trace their financial trails and identify associates operating within India.

An IT official said that the raids were still underway and the exact details of cash and property seizures would be revealed after the operation concludes. The coordinated action, officials noted, is aimed at dismantling the shadow economy thriving on illegal online betting platforms.

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