Gambling crackdown in Gujarat, India, results in arrest of 150 suspects

• An operation against illegal gambling at a sports club in Dariapur, Gujarat, India, was executed over the weekend
• On site, police found various equipment and assets which were seized
• The gambling crackdown resulted in the arrest of 150 suspects

A recent police operation in Gujarat, India, resulted in the arrest of more than 100 people, suspected of being involved in illegal gambling.

The operation in Ahmedabad marked one of the biggest illegal gambling raids in the city, which is the largest in the state of Gujarat.

Sports club raided, assets seized

As announced by the local media outlet, The Times of India, law enforcement raided a location in Dariapur on Sunday evening.

Interestingly, the venue is described as a sports club and operates as a private company.

The same business was raided several years ago, in July 2021.

At the time, law enforcement detained a total of 183 people, suspected of being involved in illegal gambling activities.

The raid in 2021 was described as one of the biggest illegal gambling crackdowns in Ahmedabad.

During the latest raid, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of the Gujarat Police arrested 150 suspects.

The swift actions of law enforcement resulted in the seizure of equipment, including mobile phones, computers, and other valuable items.

At the same time, SMC officers seized cash and cars during the gambling crackdown in Dariapur.

It is unclear how long the illegal gambling establishment operated before the latest action by law enforcement.

Still, considering the business was raided several years ago, it is apparent that gambling activities continued despite the previous arrests.

Suspects may face gambling-related charges

The 150 people detained on suspicion of engaging in gambling are currently being questioned.

Law enforcement is looking into breaches of the Prevention of Gambling Act for some of the suspects.

Suspects in gambling-related cases in Gujarat may face different charges.

For example, charges of engaging in gambling activities in a common gaming house can be punishable by up to nine months in prison along with monetary fines.

On the other hand, organizers, managers, keepers or assistants of gambling houses can face up to two years in prison together with a fine as punishment.

Both violations of the gambling-related law carry tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

The latest operation by the SMC officers circumvented local police forces and once again raised concerns about potential corruption among local law enforcement.

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