Janjgir-Champa Police Bust 'BDG' Online Gambling Network

JANJGIR | Desk: In a major crackdown on illegal online betting operations, the Cyber Police of Janjgir-Champa district in Chhattisgarh have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the ‘BDG’ (Big Daddy Game) betting app from Maharashtra’s Pune district. The accused, identified as Kiran Mahadu Salve, was arrested from Datta Nagar in Daund and subsequently brought to Janjgir for further legal proceedings.

Following his arrest, police also froze approximately Rs 1.5 lakh deposited in his bank account. According to City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Yogita Bali Khaparde, Salve was allegedly operating an organised online betting network through a chain of local agents, who received commissions based on the betting activities and profits generated by users linked to them.

The investigation began after the Cyber Police received specific information about illegal online betting activities involving Hemlal Yadav, a resident of New Chandaniyapara Link Road in Janjgir. During questioning, Yadav reportedly told investigators that he had obtained his betting ID from Shailendra Kumar Sharma.

Acting on this information, police conducted further investigations and used technical surveillance to trace Sharma. Following his arrest, Sharma allegedly revealed that he distributed master IDs and links to the betting application through WhatsApp to recruit new users and expand the network.

Further investigation exposed the alleged multi-level structure of the betting syndicate. According to police, the network operated on a model similar to multi-level marketing (MLM), in which administrators at different levels earned commissions based on the bets placed by users operating under them.

Police said Salve was managing a prominent Telegram channel named ‘Eagle BDG Game’. Through this channel, he allegedly controlled the network and appointed Shailendra Kumar Sharma as the chief administrator for Janjgir district.

Investigators have also found that the syndicate relied on multiple digital platforms to communicate with agents, distribute betting IDs and facilitate financial transactions. Mobile applications, WhatsApp and Telegram were allegedly used to coordinate operations, while USDT, a cryptocurrency linked to the US dollar, was also used for financial transactions.

Police have registered a case under Section 7 of the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 112(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

With Salve’s arrest, the total number of people arrested in connection with the illegal betting network has risen to seven. Police are now investigating the wider network to identify other administrators, agents and financial links associated with the operation.

Officials said further investigation is underway to trace the flow of money, identify additional beneficiaries and establish the full extent of the betting syndicate's operations. More arrests are likely as investigators pursue leads emerging from the interrogation of the accused.