Gambling dens mushroom ahead of Diwali in city; 27 held in two raids
Police in Amritsar arrested 27 people and seized Rs 2.59 lakh in two raids targeting illegal gambling dens ahead of Diwali.Summary
Ahead of Diwali, gambling dens have become active in Amritsar, prompting police action. In two raids on Saturday, the Kotwali and Mohkampura police arrested 27 persons and seized Rs 2.59 lakh. The Kotwali police arrested 16 people gambling on the first floor of a woman's residence in Godam Mohalla and seized Rs 49,500. The Mohkampura police arrested 11 people gambling at 40 Khuh Park near Jora Phatak and seized Rs 2.10 lakh. All accused were released on bail. The seizures come amid increased gambling activity before Diwali, with illegal sessions reportedly organized at hotels, resorts, farmhouses, private residences, and slum areas. High-stakes gambling parties are allegedly organized by people linked to the hospitality sector and influential individuals, sometimes charging hefty entry fees with transactions in lakhs. Such activities have raised law and order concerns due to past violent disputes over money. The Civil Lines police have warned hotel, bar, and other establishment owners against allowing illegal activities, with SHO Sub-Inspector Rajinder Singh issuing strict directions against facilitating illegal hookah services, gambling, and other unlawful activities. Strict legal action will be taken against violators. Two years ago, armed persons allegedly looted lakhs from a gambling den in a hotel room in Hall Gate, leading to an FIR after CCTV footage went viral.
(Source：The Tribune)