Illegal online lottery shop busted in India's Maharashtra, 2 held
Two men have been arrested in the Nagpur region of India’s Maharashtra for running an illegal online lottery business under the guise of a shop in the Masurkar Chowk area.
The accused—Rahul Marotrao Ninave (28), a resident of Ganga Jamuna Cement Road near Jagannath Swami Gate, and Shahid Parvez Sheikh Sabir (29), a resident of Mominpura behind Kamal Baba Dargah—were allegedly operating the banned ‘’. Police said they were collecting money from customers and conducting gambling-based win-loss games for personal gain.
Lakadganj Police acted on a tip-off and raided the shop, seizing two monitors, a CPU, printer, adapter, mouse, Wi-Fi device, a mobile phone, and ₹1,480 (approx. $18 USD) in cash. The total estimated value of the seized items is ₹40,180 (approx. $480 USD).
A case has been registered following a complaint by PSI Bhandare. API Kichak has filed charges under Sections 318(2), 297(1), and 3(5) of the , along with Sections 4(A), 7(3), and 8 of the Lottery Regulation Act, and Sections 4 and 5 of the Maharashtra Gambling Prevention Act.
Both suspects are currently in custody and further investigation is underway.
Maharashtra plans lottery expansion
This incident came to light at a time when Maharashtra is considering expanding its state lottery system to increase revenue. Earlier last month, the state’s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, announced that the government will form a committee of elected representatives. The committee, headed by former Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, will suggest measures to boost revenue through the Maharashtra State Lottery before the ongoing budget session concludes.
“The government is working at various levels to increase the state’s revenue. Efforts are also being made through the Maharashtra State Lottery. A committee of public representatives will be formed to suggest measures along the lines of Kerala to increase income through the Maharashtra State Lottery. The chairman of this committee will be Sudhir Mungantiwar. The committee will have to submit a report within one month of its formation,” Pawar said.
Maharashtra State Lottery has been in existence since 12 April 1969. The state’s finance department initiated the lottery to prevent cheating of the common people by miscreants through illegal gambling schemes like Matka. The state-run lottery is totally trustworthy and provides an opportunity for citizens to win large prizes from a very small investment and fulfill their dreams. The revenue generated from the lottery sales also helps the state improve the infrastructure, provide health and education facilities, enhance the status of women and child welfare, support the agriculture sector, etc. Simultaneously, the sale of lottery tickets offers full-time or part-time employment to many unemployed individuals.
