Bhubaneswar, 7 February (H.S.): Police have arrested seven individuals in Cuttack for allegedly engaging in the black marketing of tickets for the India vs England ODI match scheduled at the Barabati Stadium on February 9.

Reports indicate that three of the accused were selling eight gallery tickets at inflated prices. They had posted images of the physical tickets online and were actively seeking buyers. The police apprehended the group while they were handing over the tickets to a buyer in the Buxi Bazaar area. Upon questioning, the buyer informed the police that the tickets were being sold at significantly higher rates than their original price.

The police have seized the tickets, Rs 30,000 in cash, mobile phones, and two motorcycles from the trio's possession.

Additionally, the Cantonment Police arrested four other individuals involved in black marketing. They were selling tickets originally priced at Rs 1100 for as much as Rs 7000 each.

The intense demand for tickets ahead of the India-England match has resulted in significant crowds and chaos. On Wednesday, thousands of cricket enthusiasts flocked to the stadium in an attempt to purchase tickets, creating a stampede-like situation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda