District-wide crackdown: Rayagada Police smash illegal gambling dens, 47 apprehended with Rs.1.82 lakh cash
Dr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta
Rayagada, October 25: In an aggressive, coordinated 48-hour offensive, Rayagada District Police have dismantled multiple illicit gambling syndicates operating across five police station jurisdictions.
The intensive sweep resulted in the apprehension of 47 individuals and the recovery of Rs.1,82,690 in cash, along with mobile phones and gambling equipment.
The synchronized raids followed credible intelligence reports indicating that organized betting syndicates were actively operating in both urban centers and rural pockets of the district.
A standout action occurred within Padamapur police limits, where officers raided a major high-stakes den. Eleven individuals were caught red-handed. Beyond seizing ₹36,790 in cash, police confiscated nine smartphones used to coordinate wagers, a full deck of cards, and a specialized blanket used as a gambling surface.
Separate criminal proceedings have been launched against all 47 accused under the relevant sections of the Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act. Senior district police officials affirmed that enforcement will intensify in the coming weeks, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward illicit betting syndicates and anti-social operations throughout the district. Enhanced electronic surveillance and field patrols remain active to intercept repeat offenders.
