Gambling rackets cracked down in Indian city

The police in the city of Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha have busted illegal gambling units that were functioning in the city.

The city’s deputy commissioner of police, Anup Kumar Sahoo, has said the combing operations regarding illegal gambling units were sent to all police stations, ahead of the upcoming festival season in these parts. “We have asked police stations concerned to keep a watch on such activities within their jurisdiction. We will also launch a special drive in the festive season to crack down on gambling units,” he said.

Gambling dens continue to thrive in the city despite the police cracking down on such units. This year, the cops have busted around a dozen such rackets in Bhubaneswar and the outskirts.

Residents apprehend that gambling units were likely to increase from the festive season starting from Ganesh Puja this month. “Earlier, the units used to operate clandestinely at night, but now they are not hesitant to run their business even in the morning. The police must intensify patrolling in the morning,” said a shop owner near Bhubaneswar station.

The police said these gambling dens not only attracted illiterate persons, but also petty businessman in the hope of earning quick bucks. Sources said a number of such rackets were operating at Malisahi, Bhubaneswar railway station, Baramunda bus terminal, Unit-I and Unit-II.

Most of the rackets target passengers arriving in trains and buses as victims are in a hurry and often reluctant to lodge police complaints, the police said. In 2017, the cops busted 18 rackets in Bhubaneswar, a figure far below compared to the number of units operating.

“The unit members deliberately ensure that the victims initially win some money and later entice them to invest huge sums. Once the pump in huge cash, the gamblers make him lose and if the victims demand their money back, the gang members threaten them,” said a police officer.

Source: Telegraph India