PANAJI/vasco: In a major crackdown on matka gambling activities, the Goa police conducted over 120 raids and arrested and released around 130 persons throughout the state on Monday.
According to information, the raids which began in the evening continued till late night.
The crackdown began soon after Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Muktesh Chander held a meeting with police officers instructing them to initiate stringent action against matka gambling activities.
“I have instructed police officers to curb matka gambling activities with a heavy hand. If police show any kind of leniency towards such activities then they will be liable for strict action,” said Chander.
Apart from this, Chander has also formed three special teams of which one each will operate in north and south district while one will operate from the Crime Branch at Ribandar. “These teams will also act separately against the matka gambling activities and wherever these teams conduct raids, the police personnel in that jurisdiction will be held accountable and they will get adverse remarks,” said Chander.
It may be recalled that in October 2015, the Crime Branch had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against politicians, an unnamed minister, police officers, matka operators from Gujarat and agents from Goa under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act and criminal conspiracy.
Taking cognizance of the PIL filed by Kashinath Shetye and others, the High Court of Bombay at Goa had issued directions to the Crime Branch asking it to register an FIR and investigate the matter.
According to police, there is nothing on record or any evidence to prove nexus of police, press, politicians with matka gambling operators as alleged by the petitioners, nor have the petitioners in their statements given any material evidence to prove their allegations. However, it would be wrong to deny that any matka gambling activity is not happening in Goa, police have said. The case is currently under investigation.
Meanwhile, Vasco police Monday raided two matka gambling dens and seized matka material like charts, slips and other material. Police have also arrested some persons involved in playing matka. The raid was conducted following complaints by some people.
