Police Crack Down on Illegal Casino-Style Gambling Party in Rishikesh Hotel
In a significant enforcement action, police in Haridwar conducted a raid on an illegal gambling party at Navrang Hotel in Rishikesh, resulting in the arrest of forty individuals, including ten women. The operation, carried out on Saturday, uncovered a makeshift casino setup where women were allegedly hired to participate in games and serve liquor, raising concerns about potential exploitation.
Details of the Raid and Arrests
The arrested individuals hail from various locations, including Dehradun, Meerut, and Rishikesh. Police officials described the party as being organized in a manner reminiscent of a casino, with illicit gambling activities taking place. A case has been registered under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Gambling Act, along with relevant provisions of the Excise Act, highlighting the serious nature of the violations.
SSP Dehradun Pramendra Dobal provided insights into the ongoing investigation, stating, "The hotel has been sealed, and police teams are actively working to trace the owner. We are verifying the backgrounds of those arrested to understand their involvement and connections."
Parallel Action Against Police Personnel
In a related development, twelve police personnel, including a sub-inspector stationed at the IDPL police check post, have been suspended. This disciplinary action was taken due to allegations that they were aware of the illegal gathering but failed to intervene, raising questions about accountability within the force.
Police are also examining whether the women involved were merely hired for service roles or if they faced exploitation by the organizers. This aspect of the investigation aims to ensure that any victims receive appropriate support and that perpetrators are held accountable for any wrongdoing beyond gambling offenses.
The raid underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illegal activities in the region, with a focus on maintaining law and order. The sealing of the hotel and suspension of police personnel signal a robust response to such incidents, aiming to deter future violations and uphold public safety.
