Odisha police arrest 684 in operation against festival-season gambling in Ganjam

A month-long operation led to the seizure of over US$339,000 in cash.

India.- Police in India’s eastern state of Odisha arrested 684 people for alleged illegal gambling in Ganjam district during a month-long enforcement drive conducted from September 15 to October 14. The operation, launched during the festival season when gambling activity typically spikes, resulted in the registration of 113 cases and the seizure of large cash and property.

Authorities said officers confiscated more than INR2.8m (US$339,000) in cash, along with 230 mobile phones and 35 motorcycles. The Bhanjanagar Police reported the highest number of arrests, detaining 138 people and seizing INR480,000 (US$57,000). Officials noted that most activity took place in rural and semi-urban areas.

Ganjam superintendent of police Subhendu Patra said: “Organised gambling in villages tends to create law and order problems during festival times.” He said surveillance would continue throughout the holiday period.

The arrests were made under the Orissa Prevention of Gambling Act, which prescribes penalties including fines and imprisonment for those managing or participating in illegal gambling operations. Police sources indicated that several operations appeared to be part of coordinated networks, and that investigations are ongoing. Officers said the operation was not only punitive but also preventive, seeking to discourage gambling.

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A month-long operation led to the seizure of over US$339,000 in cash. India.- Police in India’s eastern state of Odisha arrested 684 people for alleged illegal gambling in Ganjam district…