Ganjam Police Widen Festive Gambling Crackdown with 52 More Arrests

The local police confirmed that further investigations are still underway

Ganjam police have stepped up action against illegal betting with a series of late-night raids that led to 52 arrests and the seizure of Rs 1.45 lakh ($1,529) in cash and five mobile phones, according to Pragativadi. 

The operation covered six locations, including Kulada, Bhanjanagar, Tokaganda, Khamaredi and Hatigada, and was carried out as officers moved to disrupt gambling activity ahead of Kumar Purnima, a period when such betting has traditionally spiked in parts of the district.

Bhanjanagar IIC Jibanananda Jena said police had been “maintaining strict surveillance on gambling activities in the region for the past several days”.

They also confirmed further investigation is underway. 

Enforcement Sharpens 

The latest raids build on a broader district-wide push. OMMCOM News reported that on October 20, Ganjam police arrested 61 people in separate raids on about 10 gambling dens, recovering Rs 2.19 lakh, playing cards and five mobile phones. 

Superintendent of Police Harisha B.C. said the raids were part of an intensified drive during Durga Puja. He added that police would continue their crackdown on illegal gambling and related criminal activity across the district. 

Elsewhere in India, the Bombay High Court at Goa has ordered authorities to turn the stretch from the petrol pump near Panaji Residency to Panaji Church into a no-parking zone following congestion around casino points.

The bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar said the city’s traffic problem, particularly in the evenings, was being worsened by casino-linked movement