In a decisive move against illegal activities, the Ahmedabad police successfully busted a clandestine gambling operation running from a bungalow in the upscale Satyagrah Chhavni locality of Satellite on Sunday. This raid forms a critical part of an extensive citywide drive initiated by the police commissioner to clamp down on unlawful gambling dens.
The Tip-Off and Strategic Raid
According to officials from the Satellite police station, a special team was on routine patrol when it received credible intelligence. The tip-off indicated that a group of individuals had gathered inside a specific bungalow and were actively participating in a three-card gambling game with real money at stake. Acting swiftly on this information, the police followed due process by obtaining an official warrant and briefing two independent panch witnesses before proceeding with the operation.
At approximately 3:15 PM, the team secured the perimeter outside the premises. After knocking on the door and gaining entry, officers found the lights on and could hear voices from within. Upon entering, they discovered a group of men seated around a table in one of the bedrooms. Playing cards and cash were prominently placed on the table, confirming the illegal activity in progress.
Seizures and Arrests
The police immediately instructed all participants to remain seated. Officers then began verifying their identities and counting the visible money on the table, which amounted to Rs 3,020. A thorough frisking of the individuals revealed more cash concealed under their feet. In total, the police recovered Rs 12,840 in stake money from the scene.
Beyond the cash, the authorities confiscated six mobile phones and 208 playing cards. The combined value of all seized items was estimated at Rs 47,860. During interrogation, the person managing the gambling session admitted to inviting the others to the bungalow specifically for this purpose. Police revealed that this individual had been residing at the property for several years and had been exploiting it to conduct this illegal business.
Legal Action and Ongoing Drive
All participants were promptly detained and taken to the Satellite police station for further processing. The police have registered a formal case under the stringent Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act. This incident underscores the police department's committed campaign to eradicate illegal gambling hubs across Ahmedabad, signaling zero tolerance for such activities even in affluent neighborhoods.
The successful raid in Satellite serves as a clear warning that the police are actively monitoring and acting against illegal operations, relying on both patrols and public tip-offs to maintain law and order in the city.
