India's Haryana intensifies gambling crackdown; 108 arrested in 3 months
As many as 108 people were arrested in Bhiwani, a city in the northern Indian state of Haryana, during a major three-month crackdown by the police on illegal arms, narcotics, illicit liquor, and gambling activities. The operations, conducted by Bhiwani police, were part of a broader effort to curb crime in the region.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Nitish Agrawal said 17 cases were registered under the Arms Act, leading to the arrest of 33 individuals. Police recovered 22 illegal pistols, one revolver, one shotgun and 33 cartridges from those arrested. In a parallel crackdown on drug trafficking, police took action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This led to the registration of 15 cases and the arrest of 25 people.
Gambling dens raided
In a further move to curb illegal gambling, the police registered seven cases under the Gambling Act and arrested 18 people. An amount of Rs 91,840 (approximately US$1,100) was recovered from gambling sites. SP Agrawal stated that strict action would continue against individuals involved in illegal arms, drugs, alcohol, or gambling in the district.
Haryana’s new gambling law
The operation comes nearly a month after the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025 was passed. The newly passed bill aims to curb illegal gambling and betting in the state. It provides for imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 (around US$120) or both for anyone found gambling in a public place or common gambling house.
Owners or financiers of gambling houses can face imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh (about US$1,200). The law also penalises match-fixing or spot-fixing in sports with a prison term of three to five years and a fine of not less than Rs 5 lakh (approx. US$6,000). Members of organised gambling syndicates face the same penalty.
Anyone found committing an offence under the Act who refuses to disclose their identity or provides false information may be punished with up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of Rs 10,000 (around US$120) or both.
The law authorises any executive magistrate or gazetted police officer to empower a sub-inspector or higher-ranking officer to enter and search premises based on credible information. Officers may arrest without a warrant and seize money and items used for gambling.
