Kumar Purnima; Gambling Fever Grips in Ganjam District
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
Ganjam/Berhampur:The police raids over the years seem to have little effect as gambling from Dussera to Kumar Purnima has become a compulsive ritualistic practice among the people of all ages in Ganjam.
Gambling is an integral part of Kumar Purnima in Ganjam district. With a few days to go for the festival, most people in district have already started gambling in their homes Hotels and at some isolated places common phenomena of past many years.
Soon after Durga Puja till end of Kumar Purnima the gamblers are more active in Ganjam and have already started playing in lakhs.
Other gateway when there is an increase in gambling, there will be rise in property offences.
Another one who is having less money but to get money he will commit theft and burglary and other criminal acts.
Rich gambler and the poor gambler, its known that in this festive season everyone in entire Ganjam district they play cards by betting money. This culture here for them it’s a celebration, not crime and granted as local law (!) though the local law does not permit them, they still have the old habits.
In order to escape from the hands of Police law, many reputed lodges meant for big players assemble for gambling among friends and with lower stakes ranging to hundreds of rupees while others arrange get together of friends at homes to hold gambling sessions.
Despite the strict vigilance of the police. This year, much before there has been a outbreak of activities to organise gambling sessions from the hawk’s eye of the cops.
The organisers of the professional gambling dens keep changing their locations frequently.
Stakes are quite high in these professional dens. Only those with deep pocket are allowed to enter these dens.
However, considering the grave social and financial impact of the practice, police continue to prevent it to the best of their capabilities.
GANJAM
In the month of September, 2023, Ganjam police has detected & registered 27 gambling cases. In these cases, 37 vehicles and Rs 6,11, 410/- were seized and 146 persons were detained.
In the month of October, 2023, till 26.10.23, Ganjam police has detected & registered 103 gambling cases. In these cases, 57 vehicles, 127 mobile phones and Rs 13,22,960/- were seized and 538 persons were detained.
BERHAMPUR
Since October 1 ,
Berhampur police has registered 36 gambling cases where Rs. 7,74,132 has been seized. 215 persons have been detained along with the seizure of 78 mobile phones and 41 Motorcycles
