New Delhi, October 25, 2026. India intensified its crackdown on illegal gambling by blocking Polymarket's official X account and conducting a police operation in Odisha that resulted in 470 arrests and the seizure of INR 1.265 million (₹12.65 lakh). Both actions, carried out between October 21 and 22, fall under different regulatory frameworks.
On October 22, X geographically restricted Polymarket's account following a legal request from Indian authorities. The measure extends the blocking of its website implemented in May, although the agency that issued the order has not been publicly identified.
Ashwini Vaishnaw
The platform, which specializes in contracts tied to future events, had promoted markets concerning a potential departure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from office before the end of 2026 or mid-2027. There is no official confirmation that these posts directly prompted the restriction. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, enforced since May 2026, prohibits online real-money gaming activities, including those involving cryptocurrencies. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), headed by Ashwini Vaishnaw, oversees the digital regulatory framework alongside Secretary S. Krishnan.
Vinaytosh Mishra
Meanwhile, the Odisha Police, led by Director General Vinaytosh Mishra, conducted raids across Ganjam and Brahmapur ahead of the Kumar Purnima festival, celebrated on October 25.
On October 21, 167 people were arrested: 115 in Ganjam and 52 in Brahmapur, following raids on 32 establishments. Officers seized ₹5.56 lakh, 72 mobile phones, and 15 motorcycles. Another 303 arrests followed on October 22: 250 in Ganjam and 53 in Brahmapur, bringing the combined total to 470.
Mohan Charan Majhi
Police Superintendents Harish B. C., in Ganjam, and Abhinav Sonkar, in Brahmapur, continue enforcement operations under the Orissa Prevention of Gambling Act, 1955.
The state government, headed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, retains responsibility for public security, while X continues to restrict access to Polymarket's account in India without announcing a date for lifting the measure.
