Pune: ‘Innovative’ Gambling Ring in Pimpri Chinchwad Dismantled by Crime Branch, Rs 7.34 Lakh Seized
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 16th August 2024: Gamblers in Pimpri Chinchwad had devised an ‘innovation’ where they would gamble daily within the jurisdictions of various Police Stations under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC). However, the Anti-Gunda Squad of the Crime Branch of PCPC has busted this operation and taken action.
In a raid, the police arrested 14 people and confiscated gambling items worth lakhs. As police crackdown on gambling dens, gamblers have found new ways to evade the authorities. They coordinate via WhatsApp, selecting a location such as a lodge or hotel, and only familiar, trusted gamblers are allowed to participate for ‘security’ reasons. Newcomers were neither allowed to gamble nor are they informed about the location.
All participants arrive at the site by rickshaw, Ola, or Uber, avoiding bringing their vehicles. As an added precaution, they changed the location as per the Police Station limits daily. If the police receive information about a location, the gamblers simply move to a new place the next day. A lookout is stationed outside the lodge or hotel, and when police approach, they alert the gamblers inside, allowing them to quickly pack up and pretend nothing happened.
While patrolling the Mahalunge MIDC police station limits, Police Sub-Inspector Ashok Jagtap of the Anti-Gunda Squad received a tip that Mayur Ranawade was gambling with several others at Hotel Top 49 in the Moi village area. Acting on the information, the squad raided the hotel, arresting 12 people who were gambling under the direction of Mayur Namdev Ranawade (age 32, resident of Kasarwadi).
A case was registered against these 13 individuals and another person, Mahesh Gawari (resident of Moi, Khed), who provided the venue for gambling. A total of ₹7.34 lakh in cash and gambling materials were seized from the accused.
