Kota, January 25, 2026: Kota police have arrested five individuals accused of cheating a person out of ₹15 lakh won through online betting and later threatening his life when he demanded his winnings.
The arrested persons are:
- Rupesh (23) from Ettinatti, Shiriyara
- Manoj (25) from the same area
- Srijan Shetty (28) from Kolkebailu
- Raghavendra (37) from Padumundu
- Kushal (38) from Shiriyara
All five were produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody.
According to police, the complainant, Sandeep Kulal from Billadi, had become acquainted with Pradeep from Shiriyara about a year ago. Following Pradeep’s instructions, Sandeep transferred money online to mobile numbers provided by Rupesh, Manoj, Dheeraj, Harish, Videsh, and others involved in the betting operation. Sandeep reportedly won around ₹15 lakh through these transactions.
When Sandeep approached Pradeep in Shiriyara about a month ago to claim his winnings, Pradeep and his associates allegedly refused to pay and threatened his life. A case was registered at Kota Police Station based on the complaint.
Investigations revealed that the accused had lured victims into online betting, manipulated outcomes, and cheated them of winnings. The threats escalated when Sandeep persisted in demanding his money.
Kota police conducted raids and arrested the five suspects. Further investigation is ongoing to trace other involved persons, recover the cheated amount, and examine digital evidence such as transaction records and communication logs.
