The hotel in which the Doodhnath Singh had indulged in gambling. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Oct. 25: This Diwali night, gambling could land you in trouble. Police today decided to launch a drive against all sorts of betting as a businessman was shot at in a city hotel late last night after he won Rs 10 lakh in a game of cards.

The victim, Doodhnath Singh, was shot at after he quit the game winning the sum. Sudama Singh, one of his contenders, fired four bullets at him. Out of danger, Doodhnath is recuperating at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). Sudama fled after committing the crime but four others, including the hotel owner, have been arrested.

Taken aback by the incident, the police have decided to conduct raids on possible gambling dens on the Diwali night. The drive against betting will continue till Chhath.

People indulge in gambling on the Diwali night believing “the ritual” would bring prosperity throughout the year. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati enjoyed playing dice with her spouse Lord Shiva on this day. Nowadays, cards have replaced dice.

Doodhnath, a resident of Nasriganj in Danapur, indulged in gambling with some high profile businessmen in the hotel on Exhibition Road under the jurisdiction of Gandhi Maidan police. All of them consumed liquor while playing cards.

After Doodhnath won Rs 10 lakh, he decided to quit. But the other contenders, including Sudama, opposed. An argument ensued.

An officer at the Gandhi Maidan police station said: “Doodhnath somehow left the hotel room and started walking up to his car parked at the nearby Dwarka Sao Lane. Sudama, having criminal antecedents, followed him and opened fire from his .22 bore licensed pistol. The bullets hit Doodhnath in his stomach and legs.”

Patna central superintendent of police Shivdeep Lande said: “Doodhnath is lucky to survive the bullet injuries. He was rushed to PMCH immediately after the incident. The owner of the hotel and three others were arrested the same night. We are trying to locate Sudama and arrest him. The police recovered some liquor bottles and four cars from the hotel premises.”

All the police stations have been asked to conduct intensive drives against gambling after the shocking incident.

Lande said: “The drive will start this evening. The police will scan suspected hotels, small eateries and liquor shops. Some residential apartments and clubs will also be under scanner. Those caught gambling will be exposed in public. All the police stations have been asked to remain alert till Chhath.”

Police sources said gambling is common in the Patna City area throughout the year.

“The area has several narrow lanes where people play cards and gamble. Arrests for indulging in gambling in the area are common,” a police officer said.

The area behind the Gol Ghar, some places under Kadamkuan police station, some parts near the R-Block under the flyover and Gandhi Maidan area are also infamous for gambling.

Cops said gambling should not be taken casually.

“Professional gamblers are mostly criminals. Gambling often triggers serious clashes because the contenders are mostly drunk,” said an officer.