Chhattisgarh High Court Refuses Bail in Alleged Online Gambling Racket, Says Organised Betting Networks Harm the Economy

The Chhattisgarh High Court has refused to grant bail to four accused allegedly involved in an organised online gambling racket, observing that such activities have serious economic consequences and constitute organised crime. The Court held that the material collected during investigation disclosed sufficient prima facie involvement of the accused, making them ineligible for bail at this stage.

Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal passed the order while hearing three connected bail applications arising out of Crime No. 89/2026 registered at New Rajendra Nagar Police Station, Raipur, under Section 7 of the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act, 2022 and Section 112(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

According to the prosecution, police intercepted two men allegedly operating online betting through multiple gambling platforms and recovered mobile phones, ATM cards, passbooks and cash. The investigation later revealed an alleged network involving several associates, linked bank accounts, WhatsApp groups and electronic devices used to facilitate betting transactions.

The applicants argued that the prosecution relied primarily on the memorandum statements of co-accused and that no admissible evidence directly connected them to the alleged racket. They also contended that the investigation had concluded and no further custodial interrogation was necessary.

Rejecting these submissions, the Court noted the seizure of numerous mobile phones, laptops, routers and other electronic devices from the accused, along with material indicating links between bank accounts and betting operations. Holding that online gambling is an organised crime with significant economic impact, the Court ruled that the gravity of the allegations and the available evidence did not justify granting bail, and accordingly dismissed all four bail applications.