Bhubnaeswar: Police have started a crackdown on gambling units operating in the city ahead of the upcoming festive season.

Deputy commissioner of police, Bhubaneswar, Anup Kumar Sahoo has directed police stations concerned to detect gambling units in their respective jurisdictions. He urged people, especially commuters, not to get trapped by the units.

"We have asked police stations concerned to keep a watch on such activities within their jurisdiction. We will also launch a special drive in the festive season to crack down on gambling units," he said.

Gambling dens continue to thrive in the city despite the police cracking down on such units. This year, the cops have busted around a dozen such rackets in Bhubaneswar and the outskirts.

Residents apprehend that gambling units were likely to increase from the festive season starting from Ganesh Puja this month. "Earlier, the units used to operate clandestinely at night, but now they are not hesitant to run their business even in the morning. The police must intensify patrolling in the morning," said a shop owner near Bhubaneswar station.

The police said these gambling dens not only attracted illiterate persons, but also petty businessman in the hope of earning quick bucks. Sources said a number of such rackets were operating at Malisahi, Bhubnaeswar railway station, Baramunda bus terminal, Unit-I and Unit-II.

Most of the rackets target passengers arriving in trains and buses as victims are in a hurry and often reluctant to lodge police complaints, the police said. In 2017, the cops busted 18 rackets in Bhubaneswar, a figure far below compared to the number of units operating.

"The unit members deliberately ensure that the victims initially win some money and later entice them to invest huge sums. Once the pump in huge cash, the gamblers make him lose and if the victims demand their money back, the gang members threaten them," said a police officer.