Indian police bust illegal gambling racket in Haryana’s Saketri, five arrested
Haryana police have arrested five individuals for operating an illegal gambling racket in the Saketri area of Panchkula district, northern India. Acting on a tip-off, officers from the Mansa Devi Police Station raided the slums of Manav Colony late Tuesday night and uncovered a chart-based betting operation using lottery slips and symbols.
Tip-off leads to raid
The police launched the raid after receiving credible information about ongoing gambling activities in the slum settlement of Manav Colony, located in Saketri. Sources had informed the authorities that betting was being conducted using colourful plastic charts and coded lottery slips. Responding swiftly, a police team planned and executed a targeted operation, choosing to avoid the main road and enter the area through an alternative route to prevent alerting the suspects.
Four caught red-handed
During the late-night operation on Tuesday, four individuals were caught in the act, according to the local media HT. The main accused, however, managed to escape but was tracked down and arrested on Wednesday. In total, five men were apprehended. The arrested individuals have been identified as Dinesh (resident of Budaun, UP); Vijay Singh (resident of Gumthal, Sambhal, UP); Ram Kishan (resident of Faridpur, UP); Atmaram (resident of village Saketri); and the main accused, Rajesh (resident of Panditon Wala Mohalla, Saketri).
All five were residing in Manav Colony at the time of the incident.
Police recover gambling materials
The raid led to the seizure of several items used in the gambling operation. Police recovered cash, a plastic chart featuring 12 symbols, and lottery slips in blue and purple colours. Additionally, two wireless sets with a communication range of up to 500 metres were confiscated. According to police officials, the group used these wireless devices to keep watch for law enforcement. A lookout would be stationed nearby to warn the group if authorities approached, enabling them to flee or hide materials.
Gambling based on symbol draws promising high returns
During interrogation, the accused confessed that the gambling was organised around a system of symbols, including images such as a sun, lamp, pigeon, and bucket. Players were lured in with the promise of winning up to ten times the amount they placed, depending on the symbol drawn from the chart. The main accused, Rajesh, allegedly managed the betting and influenced locals to participate with the hope of easy returns.
Case registered under gambling act
The Mansa Devi Police Station has registered a case under Section 13 of the Gambling Act against all five individuals. Further investigation and legal proceedings are currently underway. Authorities have indicated that they are continuing efforts to identify any additional members involved in the operation and to curb such illegal activities in the region.
