Goat herder from Guna turns betting king:Learnt gambling tricks from his father; built farmhouses, hotels by age of 23

Last month, the police and district administration in Ashok Nagar carried out a major demolition drive against Azad Khan, known locally as a key figure in illegal betting. His hotel and farmhouse, collectively valued at around ₹10 crore, were bulldozed in December 2025. The action came shortly after Azad was arrested in connection with betting-related cases. He was released on bail five days ago. Azad Khan’s journey, from a poor childhood to becoming a dominant betting operator across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, has now come under sustained law enforcement scrutiny. Poverty and involvement in betting Azad Khan was born in a poor family in Azad Mohalla of Ashok Nagar. His father, Aleem Khan alias Pappu, worked as a tailor and also earned money by writing betting slips. The family kept goats, and Azad spent much of his childhood grazing them. During this period, Azad began helping his father and learned the basics of betting. In his father’s absence, he started managing betting work on his own. Until around 2003, his activities were limited to offline betting. Entry into online betting and IPL network Azad’s operations expanded significantly with the rise of online betting. Around 2003, he became aware of online betting platforms linked to cricket tournaments, including the IPL. Through contacts with local bookies, he connected with online operators and began handling betting IDs. After gaining experience, Azad created his own betting ID, named VTX991. He attracted customers by offering higher profit margins and charged a commission of around two percent. Over time, he began appointing commission agents and expanding his network. Initially active in Ashok Nagar, Azad later extended his operations to Guna district. Eventually, his network spread across Madhya Pradesh and into neighboring Rajasthan through established betting contacts. Expansion into real estate and assets With rising income from betting, Azad began investing in real estate. He purchased and sold land in Ashok Nagar and became a partner in multiple land deals. He also constructed a hotel named Azad Palace in the city and built a farmhouse in his native village. According to local sources, the farmhouse was frequently used for gatherings and events. These properties later became the focus of administrative action, culminating in their demolition in December. Family’s entry into politics To increase influence, Azad encouraged his family’s entry into local politics. His brother, Rashid Khan alias Chinna, is currently a councillor in Ashok Nagar and is active in local affairs. Azad also cultivated connections with politicians and influential figures. Sources claim he provided financial support during elections to certain leaders in return for protection, though these claims are under investigation and not officially confirmed. IPL betting case in Guna Azad’s legal troubles escalated last year when Guna Cantt police registered an FIR related to IPL betting. In April, during the IPL season, cases were filed against 10 bookies, including Sandeep Solanki, Sukhjeet Singh Bal, Suraj Sharma, Javed Chikna, Ravi Rathore, Ronit Rathore, Rakesh Prajapati Tena, and Ajay Kushwah. During interrogation, Azad Khan’s name surfaced, and he was later made an accused. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Guna court. He later approached the High Court, where he was granted bail. Police sources say Azad attempted to exert pressure to have his name removed from the FIR, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Arrest, bail, and administrative action Azad was arrested and lodged in Ashok Nagar jail. He was granted bail five days ago by the Ashok Nagar court and released. Prior to his arrest, the district collector cancelled his arms license on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Police. Azad was instructed to surrender his licensed pistol, which he did at the police station. A week later, he was taken into custody. The administration has stated that action against his illegal properties and assets will continue. Use of foreign SIM and close associates During the investigation, police discovered that Azad allegedly operated betting activities using an international SIM card. The exact country of origin and procurement method of the SIM remain unclear. Betting IDs linked to Azad were also found on the phone of Ejaz Khan, who was arrested earlier in Guna. Ejaz is considered one of Azad’s closest associates and managed operations in Guna. Link to jewellers’ suicide case Azad’s name also surfaced during the investigation into the suicide of two jeweller brothers, Nandkishore Soni and Rameshwar Soni, who died on May 15, 2025, by jumping in front of a train. Police recovered a suicide note stating they were under pressure due to debt and harassment by moneylenders. In December 2025, Azad’s brother Rashid Khan Chinna was named in a separate FIR for allegedly pressuring the family in connection with the case. Kotwali police registered the case against Rashid and his driver. Ongoing investigation Police say multiple aspects of Azad Khan’s activities are still under investigation, including betting operations, financial transactions, political links, and the source of foreign communication tools. Authorities have maintained that further action will be taken based on evidence.