Hubballi: It is a challenging task for the police department to curb gambling activities during Deepavali festival in all villages and urban areas in North Karnataka region.
Many people engage in gambling activities in groups by playing cards on the streets and in interior parts. It is going to be a big challenge for the cops in the districts to track down gambling.
Gambling activities are likely to begin from Sunday for three days till the festival is over.Some people treat it as a tradition during Deepavali, without fear of police action they engage in gambling activities, said a source.
During Deepavali festival, gambling becomes rampant. This season, the police departments in all districts of North Karnataka are geared up to curb gambling activities. Renuka Sukumar, police commissioner, Hubballi-Dharwad, said: “We are taking action to curb gambling activities not only during Deepavali, but we have kept strict vigil on gambling throughout the year.
“As there is information that many people will engage in gambling activities during Deepavali, we have now stepped up measures to take action against those who gamble,” she said.
“We have had a meeting and instructed each police station to intensify patrolling in all places to curb gambling activities. We have also deputed some policemen in mufti to gather information of gambling activities in the city,” she went on to add.
“We have raided six clubs in the city to check gambling activities and arrested a few persons. Besides, we are also cancelling the licence of one club, which has violated the norms by allowing gambling activities in their premises. We have also strictly instructed all clubs not to entertain gambling and illegal activities. If it comes to our notice, strict action will be taken and their licences will be cancelled,” she added. Various teams have been formed specially to keep an eye on gambling activities in the twin cities, Renuka said.
Gambling is an offence under Section 78/87 of the Karnataka Police Act.
Dharwad SP Gopal Byakod said, “We have already started conducting raids on gambling dens and also intensified patrolling in all rural places to curb gambling.” We have also filed a case against some persons for involving in gambling in Garag and other villages, he said.
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