Illegal cockfighting racket busted in India; cops seize $36,000 cash, 55 luxury cars
Police in the southern Indian state of Telangana raided a farmhouse near Hyderabad on 11 February 2025, uncovering a high-stakes illegal gambling and cockfighting operation. The raid, carried out by special operations police teams, resulted in the arrest of 64 individuals and the seizure of large amounts of cash, luxury vehicles, and gambling equipment.
Raid uncovers illegal 바카라 and cockfighting setup
During the late-night raid at a secluded farmhouse in Moinabad, authorities seized over Rs 30 lakh (approx. $36,000) in cash, along with 55 luxury cars and 86 roosters used for cockfighting. Police also confiscated cockfighting knives, poker chips, 바카라 coins, and liquor, indicating a well-organised illegal gambling network.
The arrested individuals included 10 from Telangana and the remaining from the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh. According to investigators, the event was not an isolated incident but part of a larger criminal network that had been operating across multiple locations.
Venue belongs to local politician
The police have identified and served notice to Member of Legislative Council Pochampally Srinivas Reddy, the farmhouse owner where the alleged illegal activity occurred.
The police are inquiring whether he was aware of the 바카라 and betting activities taking place on his property. The police further stated that Srinivas Reddy would respond through the proper legal channels after completing the necessary formalities.
Key organiser a repeat offender with alleged political ties
Authorities identified Bhupathi Raju Shiva Kumar Varma as the primary organiser of the illegal operation, according to . Varma has a history of running underground cockfighting events and was previously arrested in 2013 for similar offences. Despite facing legal action in the past, he allegedly continued orchestrating illegal gambling operations, targeting wealthy clients and high-profile gamblers.
Following the raid, photos of Varma with prominent political figures from Andhra Pradesh surfaced on social media, fuelling speculation about political protection for the illegal operation.
SiGMA News has approached Moinabad Police, seeking comments regarding the raid and the alleged political ties. However, the queries have been unanswered until the time of publication.
Legal consequences and ongoing investigation
The arrested individuals were taken into custody, questioned, and later released after being served legal notices. Authorities have filed charges under India’s Gaming Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, both of which carry significant penalties.
Officials stated that investigations are ongoing to identify additional suspects, including those who may have financially backed or profited from the operation. Law enforcement agencies are also working to prevent similar underground gambling networks from resurfacing.
