27 March,2011 08:53 AM IST | | J Dey
Bookies are headed for Mohali by the hordes in what could be an estimated Rs 5,000 crore bonanza during the semifinal match slated for Wednesday, March 30. Insiders say they are planning a halt at New Delhi before heading north for the encounter. A key bookie says they prefer to watch it themselves before laying big bets since they do not want to take any chances during this crucial match. It helps that the TV telecast is a few seconds late.
Bookies are laying their bets on India at 58 paise, while Pakistan is attracting Rs 1.60 paise if they manage to beat the rejuvenated Indian team. Insiders say most small-time bookies and punters have shifted base to plush farmhouses outside city limits. Many have migrated to Gujarat and a few have headed to casinos in Goa, where officials are known to have turned a blind eye to betting syndicates.
Already a large number of trusted 'errand' boys have been recruited to carry cash consignments after the final bet amount is finalised. The cash settlement usually takes place within 24 hours of the result. Tally clerks have also been recruited to take note of the bets and prepare balance sheets. Most transactions are recorded through software tailor-made for the purpose.
The semi-finals, particularly Wednesday's encounter, will bring a windfall for underworld gangs. They are planning to collect 'good luck' or protection money from bookies in their areas of operation. Members of the Chhota Rajan gang are already collecting huge sums from punters operating between Chembur and Mulund.
Hoodlums owing allegiance to slain gangster Ashok Joshi are operating from Kanjur Marg and Bhandup. Meanwhile, rival gangster Dawood Ibrahim's shadow looms large as bookies expect his henchmen to flex their muscles to make quick money.
The World Cup matches have added to the coffers of several tainted policemen and several law enforcement agencies across the country. Bookies cough up huge sums of protection money to the underworld and police for letting them get on with their work.
Meanwhile, security arrangements for the Mumbai finals is top on the list of the police department. About 30 per cent of the policemen are now directly or indirectly assigned to beef up security and throw a cordon around Wankhede Stadium.
Commissioner of Police Arup Patnaik is personally supervising security arrangements at Wankhede Stadium for the past 15 days. Policemen have been asked to look out for terror suspects based on sketches made, who might take advantage of the crowd during the cricket season. Officials have been asked to lookout for vehicles parked on busy roads. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajkumar Vhatkar confirmed receiving information on threats during World Cup matches but refused to divulge details.
TRPs sky rocket
Advertisement industry sources said the TRPs during the India-Pakistan match could now reach 0.12 with the host country still in the reckoning for the cup. This figure has been derived from earlier statistics after the TRP dropped by 139 per cent after India bowed out of the previous edition of the World Cup in 2007.
