Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, Mar 22 (UNI) Police arrested a 'leading' bookie and four other persons here on charges of betting on a match in the ongoing World Cup in West Indies and seized gold ornaments and Rs 55,0000, two laptops, 12 mobile phones and a portable television from them.

Disclosing this at a press conference Superintendent of Police West Godavari M Jaganmohanreddy said on a tip off, the police team, led by Eluru Sub Divisional police officer Premkumar and City Inspector of police Vijay Paul, raided an apartment at Narasimharaopet here late last night.

They arrested the bookie, Nadipalli Naidu who had a wide network all over the state. The police had been maintaining a close vigil on him following information provided to them.

Mr Naidu resumed the betting racket, as the World Cup Cricket matches started in the West Indies.

He was betting on the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka that was played on Wednesday night. The police caught Mr Naidu red handed alongwith Gundala Suresh, Sirigibattula Ramulu, Merari Rangarao and Gade Kiran Kumar who were working as his agents.

He said Mr Naidu had been indulging in betting since the last few months.

UNI