Hyderabad, May 22: Illegal IPL betting activities are allegedly flourishing in Miryalaguda with several belt shops reportedly turning into hubs for gambling and other unlawful activities during ongoing IPL matches.
Local residents alleged that youth are not only participating in betting through online mobile applications but are also placing bets directly at belt shops while consuming liquor.
According to residents, more than 10 belt shops are operating openly along the Railway Station Road in Miryalaguda town. People alleged that despite large scale illegal liquor activity continuing within a short stretch of nearly one kilometre, authorities have failed to take strict action.
Belt Shops Become IPL Betting Centres
Residents claimed that several youth gather at belt shops from morning till late night and indulge in IPL betting while consuming alcohol. They alleged that the shops have been equipped with facilities encouraging prolonged gatherings and gambling activities.
People alleged that lakhs of rupees are changing hands daily through betting operations linked to IPL matches.
The issue gained further attention after police recently arrested a betting gang allegedly involved in gambling activities similar to the Goa Cash Nova betting pattern. During the investigation, liquor bottles seized from the accused were reportedly traced to a belt shop operating under the guise of a hotel on Railway Station Road.
Despite this, locals alleged that no serious action has been initiated against the belt shops involved.
Passengers and local residents expressed concern over the large number of illegal liquor outlets functioning on the route leading to the railway station.
They said daily commuters, passengers and families face inconvenience due to drunk individuals creating disturbances near the station area.
Residents also warned that drunken driving incidents could increase as many people consume liquor at the belt shops and drive vehicles recklessly afterwards, posing danger to pedestrians and commuters.
Farmers also expressed anger alleging that one belt shop owner had encroached upon the NSP canal area for operating the outlet illegally.
Residents alleged that authorities were ignoring the issue despite illegal shops operating openly for long hours from 10 am till 11 pm every day.
Some locals claimed that monthly illegal payments were the reason for the lack of enforcement action. Allegations were also made that certain excise officials were extending support to specific belt shop operators.
People further alleged that liquor meant to be supplied directly to authorised wine shops was instead being unloaded at illegal belt shops without interference from officials.
Reacting to the allegations, Excise CI Mallayya warned that strict legal action would be taken against those operating belt shops in violation of rules.
He said cases would be registered against illegal liquor sales and officials would intensify monitoring activities.
The Excise Department also announced the formation of a special team to keep surveillance on belt shops and curb illegal liquor trade and IPL betting activities in the town.
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