In a significant operation against illegal gambling, the Colvale Police Station has arrested a 41-year-old man for engaging in Matka gambling, a popular yet illicit number game. The operation took place on December 2, 2024, at approximately 3:45 PM behind the bus stand in Assonora, Bardez, Goa.
Acting on a tip-off from local sources, Police Sub-Inspector Sunny Kanekar and his team swooped in on the scene, catching the accused, identified as Dattaram Chari, red-handed while he was accepting bets from unsuspecting members of the public. The police seized cash amounting to ₹1,550 in various denominations along with other gambling paraphernalia during the raid.
The arrest has been recorded under FIR No. 97/2024, invoking Section 11 (2) (a) of the Goa Public Gambling (Amendment) Act 2021. This law aims to clamp down on unauthorized gambling activities that have been a growing concern in the state.
Witnesses reported seeing Dattaram issuing paper slips to gamblers in broad daylight, highlighting the audacity with which these illegal operations are conducted. After being apprehended at 4:55 PM, he was released on bail later that same day, a move that has raised eyebrows among local residents who are calling for stricter enforcement of gambling laws.
The Goa State Government has been actively working to combat illegal gambling activities through various measures, but incidents like this reveal the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to gambling.
As Goa continues to grapple with issues surrounding public gambling, this latest incident serves as a reminder of the need for community involvement in maintaining law and order. The police have encouraged residents to cooperate with ongoing efforts to eradicate such illegal practices from their neighborhoods.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue their crackdown on gambling operations across the state!
