"315 people were arrested in Odisha for participating in gambling."
Arpit Pattnaik
In the past ten days, a total of 315 people have been arrested in Odisha's Ganjam district for their alleged involvement in gambling. During the raids, authorities seized unaccounted cash totaling over Rs 12.98 lakh along with 115 mobile phones, 56 motorcycles, and three cars. Additionally, 54 cases have been registered under the Orissa Prevention of Gambling Act.
Local residents have reported that gambling activities often spike in the district from Dussehra until Kumar Purnima, with many considering it a part of the festival's celebrations. Despite police crackdowns, these activities have continued, with some believing that participating in gambling on Kumar Purnima will bring them blessings from the Goddess Laxmi. This tradition has persisted for several years.
In response, the police have intensified their efforts to dismantle gambling dens, with the Superintendent of Police for Ganjam district, Suvendu Patra, instructing officers to conduct a special drive to crack down on these illegal activities. This initiative is set to continue for some time.
