Birthday Bash Turns Into Gambling Bust: 26 Arrested in Bargarh Raid
Bhubaneswar, India – In a surprising turn of events, the Bargarh police have apprehended a gambling gang consisting of 26 members from Chhattisgarh during a birthday celebration turned illegal gambling operation. The raid occurred on Friday, following a tip-off about suspicious activities in the Bhatli area of Bargarh district.
Details of the Operation
On Thursday evening, officers from the Bargarh police, acting on the intelligence received, deployed a special team to investigate the matter. Upon arrival, they discovered approximately 80 individuals gathered in two booked rooms, seemingly engaged in a birthday celebration. However, it quickly became clear that the event was masking a significant gambling operation.
The raid was notably fruitful; police seized an impressive cash amount of ₹6,40,605 along with six pairs of playing cards and 27 mobile phones, highlighting the scale of the gambling activity that was taking place.
Arrests Made
Of the 26 individuals arrested, 25 hail from Chhattisgarh, while one person is identified as a local from Bargarh. The police have since produced the suspects in court, where legal proceedings are expected to follow.
Statement from Authorities
Himanshu Lal, Inspector General of Police for the Northern Range, addressed the media regarding the incident. He confirmed the gang was caught ‘red-handed’ and provided specifics about the nature of their activities. “They booked two rooms to celebrate a birthday. Under the pretext of a birthday celebration, they were gambling in a room,” he stated. This incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of underground gambling operations masked as social gatherings in the region.
Community Impact
The Bargarh police’s proactive approach not only underscores their commitment to combating illegal gambling but also serves as a warning to those engaging in similar activities. Local authorities are likely to increase vigilance in the area to prevent future incidents.
As the investigation continues, further developments are anticipated, especially regarding the legal repercussions for those involved in this gambling ring. The community is urged to remain observant and report any suspicious activities to the police promptly.