Online gaming app racket busted in Pune, 2 arrested

Pune, Jun 12 (PTI) Pune police have busted an online gaming racket where people were duped through gaming apps, officials said on Friday.

While Santosh Datta Venjanekar (47) and Vinayak alias Deepak Manohar Ikke (40) were arrested, a case has been registered against a total of 12 people at the Mundhwa police station, said an official.

The police conducted raids in Hadapsar and Fursungi areas during the investigation, he said.

“The accused allegedly persuaded people to register on gaming apps and invest money,” said Tejaswi Satpute, Additional Commissioner Police (Crime).

Police found that 120 employees were working at the call centre operated by the accused.

The investigators seized Rs 18.5 lakh in cash, 690 grams of gold, 2.5 kgs of silver, more

than 120 computers, mobile phones and other material during the operation.

“The accused had obtained a large number of SIM cards by using the employees’ documents and these numbers were being used for fraudulent activities. A pistol has also been seized and further investigation is underway,” Satpute said. PTI COR KRK