Team TNV
After a rap from the Goa bench of Bombay High Court for its failure to act against illegal matka gambling, the State police are on a raiding spree across the State. In over 120 raids at different locations, the police sleuths including Crime Branch team caught as many as 150 bookies red-handed while laying bets. Though they were released soon, after being produced before local magistrates in their respective areas, Police Chief Dr Muktesh Chander has called it a major success.
“It is a major crackdown for all illegal gambling den. The raids haven’t stopped; all suspected places are under the scanner and the bookies are being identified to keep a tab on their regular movement,” he said.
As per the rough data provided by the department, majority raids have been carried out in the South district. In all, the raiding teams have seized matka chits and other gambling-related materials besides cash in different denominations amounting to over Rs 1.50 lakh.
The action follows an observation by the high court bench last week to form a special investigation team (SIT) if the police fails to curb the menace by also exposing the source of the illegal activity. The court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a government official-cum-social activist nearly three years ago accusing police of being hand-in-gloves with the matka bookies to allow the illicit business in Goa.
One and half year ago, the police had registered a case against politicians, police personnel and others for violating the Goa Gambling Act for allegedly indulging in and protecting the illegal matka gambling business in the state. The FIR was registered on the basis of directions from the Court. Unnamed politicians, police officials, over 1100 agents (operators) and two local vernacular newspapers were booked by the Crime Branch. Among matka operators, those who were booked included Milan, Kalyan, Main Star and Super (gambling), all from Gujarat. However, there is no strict action taken as on date prompting the High Court to question the seriousness of the police towards curbing the menace.
The matter is coming up for hearing next week when the government has to submit its reply and status report by the police on the action taken so far.
