Umerkote police achieved a major breakthrough against illegal gambling operations by raiding a gambling den and arresting seven individuals.
Acting on a tip-off, police conducted the raid and seized ₹55,310 in cash, two Bolero vehicles, four mobile phones, and 104 playing cards. The vehicles carried registration numbers CG-07-BG-4418 and CG-27-Q-5310.
The arrested individuals include Vijay Netam, Lokesh Kumar Netam, Sanjay Kumar Markam, Shatrudhan Koram, and Suresh Bhardwaj from Kondagaon district in Chhattisgarh, Kishore Kumar Kashyap from Deobhog, and Yajnasen Pujari from Chandahandi in Nabarangpur district.
Police registered a case under the Odisha Prevention of Gambling (OPG) Act and confirmed that all the accused have been forwarded to court. Officials stated that seized items remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Local residents welcomed the action, noting that illegal gambling had become a growing menace in the region. Police emphasised that strict surveillance will continue and similar raids will be carried out to curb unlawful activities.
