Over 1,500 gambling sites, apps blocked since 2022: Centre tells Parliament
New Delhi, July 23: The Indian government has blocked 1,524 illegal online gambling websites and mobile applications since 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Responding to a written query raised by TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti, Minister of State for IT Jitin Prasada said the blocking orders were issued to curb online betting and gambling platforms that violate Indian laws.
By February 2024, 1,410 such platforms had already been blocked, a figure earlier shared in Parliament by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The number has since grown, with more platforms being targeted for violating regulatory and taxation norms.
The crackdown comes amid increasing concerns over offshore gambling websites and apps that operate outside the purview of Indian tax laws and legal frameworks. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), empowered under the Information Technology Act and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, has been taking action against platforms not registered in India, including those operated by foreign entities.
The government has made it mandatory for online gaming platforms — both domestic and international — to register under the IGST Act. All online games involving monetary transactions are now subject to 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
While the Centre has not revealed the names of the blocked platforms or any state-wise details, it maintained that steps are being taken to support state governments and Union Territories by issuing advisories and extending financial support for capacity building among law enforcement agencies.
“The policies of the central government are aimed at ensuring an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet for its users,” said Jitin Prasada in his reply.
Several of the blocked platforms had reportedly reached Indian users through digital advertisements, often using surrogate advertising strategies on major platforms like Google and Meta to conceal their gambling nature.
In connection with a money laundering probe into illegal online betting operations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned executives from Google and Meta. They are expected to appear before the agency on July 28 and provide their statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
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Bengal elections: Bhangar tense during polling, ISF claims voters, agents threatened
Kolkata (PTI): Tension gripped South 24 Parganas' Bhangar and its adjoining areas during the second phase of polling in West Bengal on Wednesday, with the Indian Secular Front (ISF) accusing TMC of trying to intimidate polling agents and influence voters.
NIA officials have been deployed in at least seven Assembly seats of West Bengal, where the second phase of polling is underway on Wednesday, after the Election Commission asked the federal probe agency to ensure bombs are not used to disrupt polling.
On April 26, police recovered crude bombs from the house of a person, allegedly a TMC worker, in Bhangar. Later, on a directive by the Union Home Ministry, the NIA registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in the state.
Trouble was reported from several pockets of Bhangar and Canning Purba constituency since morning, prompting heavy deployment of central forces, state police and NIA teams in sensitive areas.
At Hedia in Canning Purba constituency, the ISF alleged that one of its polling agents received death threats from TMC supporters.
ISF candidate Arabul Islam rushed to the spot after receiving the complaint and accused the administration of failing to ensure a fair election.
"Votes are being looted in Canning Purba. Our agents in booths are being driven out of several booths after snatching their cards and documents," he alleged.
Since morning, Islam was seen visiting booths and asking security personnel to clear gatherings within 100 metres of polling stations, while also assisting ISF polling agents in entering booths.
ISF chairman and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui also alleged that party workers and agents were being intimidated by ruling party supporters, but claimed that the overall atmosphere in Bhangar was comparatively peaceful compared to previous elections.
The fresh allegations and tension came a day after several areas of Bhangar, including Kochpukur and Joypur under Bhangar-II block, witnessed clashes between TMC and ISF supporters.
ISF supporters alleged that workers of the ruling party roamed through neighbourhoods on Tuesday night and threatened locals. When ISF workers protested, clashes broke out, leaving at least four of their compatriots, including a woman, injured.
Later, Siddiqui said, "The people of Bhangar are finally exercising their democratic rights. Earlier, bombs, bullets and pistols decided elections here. This time, people are choosing ballots and voting with a smile."
He alleged that "political dealers" and local goons loyal to TMC leader and Bhangar candidate Saukat Molla were trying to provoke ISF workers and create tension in certain areas.
"Agents are being threatened and prevented from functioning freely. We repeatedly informed the administration, but police are acting in favour of the ruling party and not cooperating," Siddiqui alleged.
Later in the day, the ISF leader also claimed that voters were prevented from exercising their franchise freely during the 2023 panchayat polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the situation has improved this time, he said.
The TMC denied the allegations and accused the ISF of trying to create unrest in the constituency to influence polling.
Security was significantly tightened in Bhangar, where, apart from state police and central forces, a special team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was also deployed to monitor sensitive pockets.
