Two youths arrested in Vadodara for trying to sell Indian-NZ match tickets in black, 17 tickets seized

Just hours ahead of the India vs New Zealand match, the Vadodara Crime Branch arrested two youths for allegedly selling tickets at inflated prices and seized 17 match tickets from their possession.

Acting on inputs about black-marketing of match tickets, Crime Branch teams kept surveillance at multiple locations in the city. During the operation, police received information that two youths had arrived near Fatehpura Bhandwada Naaka to sell tickets. The team laid a trap and apprehended both suspects.

The accused were identified as Ketan Shantilal Patel, a resident of Chhani, and Hitesh Joshi, a resident of Nizampura.

During the search, police recovered eight Level-1 tickets from Ketan Patel, priced at ₹2,000 each and four Level-2 tickets priced at ₹2,000 each. From Hitesh Joshi, police seized five two Level-2 tickets, priced at ₹2,000 each and three Level-3 tickets priced at ₹1,000 each.

Police said the accused were attempting to sell the tickets at five times their original price. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source of the tickets and whether others are involved in the racket.

Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the probe, officials said.