Police raids across Raigarh district led to the arrest of 12 bookies

Raigarh. (31:03): During the IPL cricket season, online betting activities surge, prompting Superintendent of Police Divyang Kumar Patel to direct all supervisory officers and police station in-charges to activate informers and take effective measures to curb this social menace. Consequently, a crackdown has been underway against online betting operators in the district for the past two days.

Last night, in the Kotwali police station area, three individuals were apprehended for engaging in online cricket betting during an IPL match. The authorities seized ₹20,000 in cash, 7 mobile phones, and 1 laptop from them. Additionally, on Saturday, March 29, 4 individuals were arrested by the Kotwali police for involvement in online betting activities.

In total, Raigarh Police has apprehended 12 individuals for engaging in online betting over the past two days. The seized items include ₹40,910 in cash, 12 mobile phones, and 1 laptop, with an estimated value of ₹1,61,910. The accused have been charged under Section 7 of the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act.

Here are the details of the accused caught in the operation:

1. Accused Mohd. Aneesh, aged 43, resident of Chandni Chowk, Raigarh.
2. Accused Mohd. Shahnawaz, aged 28, resident of Chandni Chowk, Raigarh.
3. Accused Ejaz Khan, aged 19, resident of Sai Colony, Urdana, Raigarh.
4. Accused Gautam Yadav, aged 36, resident of ITI Colony, Chakradharnagar.
5. Accused Gaurav alias Golu, aged 22, resident of Panjari plot, Chakradharnagar.
6. Accused Bhola Rathore, aged (F), resident of Ratanmahka, Kharsia.
7. Accused Bhekeshwar Prasad alias Ganpat Rathore, aged, resident of Ratanmahka, Kharsia.
8. Accused Chandi Charan Pandey, aged 46, resident of Civil Line, Kharsia.
9. Accused Ajay Thakur, aged 35, resident of Sonia Nagar, Kotra Road, Raigarh.
10. Accused Chhabi Ram Dhiwar, aged 36, resident of Railway Bungalow Para, Raigarh.
11. Accused Baseer Hussain, aged 36, resident of Madhuban Para, Raigarh.
12. Accused Ramesh Patel, aged 54, resident of Navagarhi Rajapara, Raigarh.

The police have emphasized the detrimental effects of gambling and betting, particularly on individuals from economically weaker sections, leading to crimes such as domestic disputes, brawls, and thefts. Superintendent of Police Divyang Kumar Patel has instructed to eradicate this social evil completely, and the police force, under the guidance of Additional SP Mr. Akash Markam and other officials, has been actively working to enforce these directives.