India has been working towards providing its gambling field with control and some level of regulation which has been giving results in the past weeks, especially following the crackdown in progress. The regions of Mumbai, as well as Thane witnessed two raids on gaming dens which led to the arrest of more than 70 people in total related in a way to the illegal operations of Matka and Teen Patti gambling.
The most recent raid was performed by the police of Thane seeking to prevent the operation of such illegal organizations and the information of it was provided previously by people well-acquainted with the illegal gaming den. It has been in operation at a farmhouse situated on the road between Thane and neighboring Ghodbunder. Sanjay Kumar Patil, Additional SP was the leading figure in the raid performed following the surveillance and confirmation of illegal gambling activities taking place in the house.
As many as 28 people were present at the moment of the raid around 11:30 p.m. and they were all arrested by the authorities. As it is clearly stated in the Indian Penal Code and Sections 4 and 5 of the Mumbai Prevention of Gambling Act, the game of Matka is not considered legal by the authorities and those who participate in it are subjected to legal prosecution and punishment. The individuals found on the premises of the farmhouse were mostly residents of Gujarat that were utilizing instant messaging and phone communication in order to receive and forward Matka bets.
In addition to that, the authorities obtained cash located in the house, a laptop, further facilitating operation, as well as a total of 58 mobile phones aiding the wagering process. The individuals arrested were taken to the District Sessions Court and further investigation into the gambling ring is set to ensue. For the time being there is information that the Savla brothers familiar to the police are the kingpins behind this operation as the owners of the house. They are known to be overseeing the operation of illegal Matka network across India.
Illegal Gambling to be Eliminated across Country
Matka gambling has been widely popular across Mumbai back in the decades of 1980s and 1990s when people were invested in the gaming offering and enjoyed it as a pastime. The introduction of Matka as a legal gaming option is considered once again. The issue with it is that it is practiced in an illegal manner at the moment and it would be better if the gaming revenue from it is utilized for the improvement of the community. Placing wagers on random numbers is what defines the game as appealing to many people since its rules are fairly simple and cash could be generated.
This May brought the news that neighboring Goa state’s government was considering the possibility of legalizing Matka as the Law Minister Francis D’Souza said that no special set of rules would be needed for the launch. Such legalization could prompt nearby regions to also consider the move and expand their gaming offerings. Another big operation took place in Mumbai, where Sahara Star Hotel became the scene of a raid conducted by the capital’s Crime Branch. Location of the resort is convenient, as it is in the proximity of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport providing easy access to high-profile players.
As many as 46 individuals recognized as businessmen were arrested during the crackdown operation. The gambling racket took place in seven of the premium suites available at the five-star hotel. It was managed by the high rollers willing to capitalize on the interest towards premium gambling and high-profile gaming patrons. Among the 46 businessmen, there were also 5 bookmakers with existing criminal records.
Teen Patti was the game in progress at the time of the arrests – essentially a simplified version of poker well-known across the country and beloved for its card structure. Floating casino venues usually refer to it as Flush. Popular among players, it features a wide array of variations. Upon the arrest, individuals stated that this game was part of an established tradition occurring on every Shravan Monday, part of the Hindu calendar. Mondays are usually dedicated to fasting and, according to the businessmen, Teen Patti gaming.
Cash and liquor were seized during the operation, but what should also be noted is that along with the card game, players were also betting on the England vs. India football matches, further complicating matters. The upcoming weeks would witness more development on both of the cases striving to eliminate illegal gaming operation at a time when India attempts to bring security to the field.
