Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy Wednesday vowed to take strict action against betting apps, online betting and cybercrimes in the state, announcing plans to amend existing laws to enhance punishments and set up a special investigation team (SIT) to combat the menace.
The CM vowed to take decisive action against those involved in promoting or benefiting from these illegal platforms. Revanth’s remarks in the assembly came in the wake of growing concerns over the impact of such activities on the state’s law and order.
Revanth said SIT would take a tough approach as cybercrimes cannot be solved by simply filing cases in a few police stations. “Spread of these crimes is not limited to Telangana; it involves various states and even other countries. Cooperation from neighbouring states and international agencies is crucial,” he said. If needed, a CB-CID team will be formed to address the growing problem effectively.
Revanth criticised the previous BRS govt’s lack of action against online betting, despite laws being in place. He promised to amend the existing law, enacted during the previous administration, to ensure punishments for app developers, promoters, and beneficiaries from two years to higher number of years. “We will pass these amendments in the next assembly session, and we will not tolerate platforms that are ruining innocent lives,” he said.
“I do not want to go into the details of who promoted these betting apps. There is no place for online betting, drugs, or gambling-related apps in Telangana. We will take stern action against those promoting these activities,” he declared.
The CM said police registered cases against 25 individuals, including film stars, YouTubers, and influencers, for promoting betting apps. Additionally, 19 betting app owners were also targeted in police action.
Revanth, who holds the home portfolio, also responded to concerns about a recent rape attempt on MMTS train, asserting that while crime cannot always be predicted, the key is swift govt action.
He accused the opposition parties of spreading false propaganda and attempting to destabilise the state financially. “Instead of obstructing progress, we urge the opposition to offer constructive suggestions based on their past 10 years in power,” he said.
The CM further took a swipe at the previous BRS govt for its failure to act decisively on serious crimes, citing the 2019 Hyderabad veterinary doctor rape and murder case, as well as the daylight murder of a lawyer couple. Revanth pointed out that Telangana ranked fourth in the country in crimes against women in 2020 and criticised the BRS govt for not taking serious action when the son of a BRS leader was allegedly involved in the Jubilee Hills pub case.
Rejecting accusations that his govt’s policies were affecting investments, Revanth firmly said the Congress govt remains focused on law and order while also prioritising economic development. “The opposition’s claims about deteriorating law and order are baseless. These are attempts by certain groups to sabotage Telangana’s progress,” he said, adding that his govt was committed to ensuring good governance while attracting investments and creating jobs.
Revanth also highlighted Telangana’s strong economic performance, stating that the state was number one in price control and leading in several key areas, including state own tax collections, with an impressive 85% collection rate.