Nagpur: A special police squad raided an alleged matka and betting operation being run near a warehouse in the Wadi area and arrested 19 persons, including the alleged bookie, on Saturday afternoon.
The raid was carried out near Maratha Saoji Bhojanalaya following a tip-off received by Assistant Police Inspector Bhagwan Koli, in-charge of the special squad, while he was on patrol around 3 pm.
According to police, the information indicated that Mushtaq Ishtaq Ahmed was allegedly collecting money from people and operating a satta-patti and matka gambling racket near a warehouse.
Acting on the information, the police team reached the spot, cordoned off the area and conducted a raid. The operation triggered panic among those present at the alleged gambling den.
Police detained 19 persons, including Mushtaq Ishtaq Ahmed, 38, of Sable Layout, Wadi; Gautam Dhoke, 51, of Ambedkar Nagar; Vasant Gorewar, 70, of Shahu Layout, Dattawadi; and Satish Mehere, 22, of Tekdi, Wadi.
During the raid, police seized Rs 39,560 in cash along with material allegedly used for satta and matka gambling. The total value of the seized property was put at Rs 60,340.
Wadi police registered a case against all the accused under Section 12(a) of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act. Further investigation is underway.
The action was conducted by API Bhagwan Koli, PSI Satish Meshram and members of the special squad.
