The Special Operations Team of Malkajgiri and Jawahar Nagar Police in Hyderabad busted an interstate horse betting racket led by Thokala Nagesh, who operated the illegal network through a WhatsApp group called “Shinewell Enterprises” with over 100 members across India. Nagesh, along with three others arrested, managed betting transactions totaling Rs 8.34 crore via bank accounts and mobile devices. Two co-bookies remain at large. Authorities seized cash, a mobile phone, and froze Rs 2.47 lakh in bank accounts linked to the racket.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Telangana Gaming Act and urged the public to avoid gambling activities, highlighting the social and legal harms involved. Rachakonda Police Commissioner G Sudheer Babu emphasized community cooperation in reporting illegal betting to uphold law and order.