Court Cites Significant Economic Impact and Organized Crime in Rejecting Bail Applications
In a significant ruling on June 19, 2026, the Chhattisgarh High Court, under the bench of Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, denied bail to the accused individuals involved in an organized online gambling syndicate. The case, which highlights the growing concern of online gambling and its economic ramifications, involves applicants Prakashchand Miri, Dhananjay Kumar Vaishnav, and Saket Jagwani, among others, who were arrested earlier this year.
The court's decision was anchored on the gravity of the offense, the organized nature of the crime, and the substantial economic impact it poses on the country. The accused were found to be part of a syndicate involved in online gambling activities on betting platforms like 23exch9.com, all panel exch.app, and 99.com, with significant evidence seized from their possession.
The apprehended individuals were linked to a larger network of online gambling operations, with seized items including multiple mobile phones, laptops, ATM cards, and bank accounts purportedly used for illegal transactions. The prosecution highlighted the vast network established by the accused, involving various bank accounts and mobile devices, demonstrating a well-structured syndicate.
Defense counsels argued the lack of admissible evidence against the applicants, noting that the electronic evidence collected was inadmissible and that the applicants had no criminal antecedents. Despite these arguments, the court found the evidence from the mobile phones and bank transactions to be sufficient for prima facie involvement in the crime.
Justice Agrawal emphasized the organized nature of the crime, underscoring the use of technological means to facilitate illegal gambling activities and its potential detriment to the economy. The court concluded that the seriousness of the offense and the involvement of the accused did not warrant the granting of bail.
This ruling serves as a cautionary tale about the risks and repercussions of engaging in online gambling syndicates, reflecting the judiciary's stance on curbing organized crimes with significant economic implications.
Bottom line:-
Bail applications in cases involving online gambling and organized crime were rejected in view of the gravity of the offence, seizure of evidence, and the significant economic impact on the country.
Statutory provision(s): Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act, 2022 Section 7, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Section 112(2)
Prakashchand Miri v. State of Chhattisgarh, (Chhattisgarh) : Law Finder Doc id # 2930288
