Bhubaneswar: Gambling rackets - thriving in various corners of the city - have become a major concern for the city police.
The police were able to bust as many as 18 gambling rackets last year. But a source in the police said that the number of crackdown was very less compared to the number of gambling units functioning in the state capital.
Most of the gambling rackets are operating from places - such as Malisahi, Bhubaneswar railway station, Baramunda bus terminal, Unit-I and Unit-II.
In February, the police had busted a gambling racket at Ashok Nagar and arrested 19 persons in this connection. The police had also seized Rs 58,800 in cash from the gamblers.
Gambling units were operating not only in small tents on roadsides. A few of them were also being run from hotels and lodges. "The gambling unit near the Bhubaneswar railway station starts operating after 2am and continues till 5am," said a local shopkeeper who did not want to be named. More people get involved in gambling during festivals, such as Raja, Dussehra and Diwali.
The gamblers also often resort to extorting money from small-time traders and others. "In the initial phase, they make you earn money. But later, they pressurise you to invest more money. If you don't succumb to their pressure, they will assault and forcefully take away your belongings," said a victim who was recently robbed off cash worth Rs 15,000 near the railway station by the members of a gambling unit operating there.
"Earlier, the gambling units used to thrive only during festive seasons. But these days, such units are operating throughout the year. As these units do not need any permanent structure to run their business, its difficult to track and bust the dens," said a senior police officer.
Deputy police commissioner Anup Kumar Sahoo said that the police stations at Kha-ravela Nagar, Capital and Lax-mi Sagar have been asked to remain vigilant. "We also seek the support of the city residen-ts to curb gambling. They need to pass on information to us about gambling units in their areas. Their identities will not be revealed," said Sahoo.
