HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced that the state government will form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to enforce a strict ban on online gambling and betting applications.
He also stressed the need to enhance the quantum of punishment for those involved in organising or promoting online betting. The government will review the possibility of including officials from the Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department in the SIT, he added.
The chief minister made these comments while responding to concerns raised by opposition MLAs in the Legislative Assembly during a discussion on Wednesday. He also revealed plans for strict enforcement of the ban on gutka, a tobacco- and nicotine-laced pan masala prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
Referring to cases filed against celebrities for endorsing illegal betting apps, Revanth said merely targeting promoters would not solve the issue. Instead, stringent action must be taken against those responsible for organising, promoting and financially benefiting from these platforms.
“A comprehensive probe requires coordination across states and even countries. This is why an SIT with full powers is essential. I want to send a clear message — anyone involved in online betting, directly or indirectly, will not be spared. The state government will remain vigilant and take stern action against offenders,” he asserted.