Indian law enforcement continues its firm stance against unauthorized gambling with the latest raid targeting an illegal casino operating inside the Rajmahal Hotel in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. Acting on intelligence, police stormed the premises late Saturday night, arresting 32 individuals, including eight women, and seizing approximately ₹270,000 (roughly USD $3,200) in cash along with gambling tables and equipment.
The operation, conducted by a joint task force of local police and excise officials, is part of a broader campaign to eliminate illegal gaming dens across northern India. Authorities confirmed that the detained individuals face charges under India’s Public Gambling Act and Excise laws. The alleged mastermind behind the operation remains at large, with efforts underway to track him down.
This latest action comes on the heels of a similar bust in Haridwar earlier this month, reinforcing Uttarakhand’s renewed focus on clamping down on underground betting networks that often operate in urban hospitality venues.
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Officials emphasized the dangers these illicit operations pose—not only as violations of law but as gateways to money laundering and organized crime. A senior officer stated, “We are committed to maintaining law and order. Illegal casinos damage public trust and exploit vulnerable individuals.”
The crackdown underscores India’s broader struggle with regulating gambling, where a patchwork of state laws creates loopholes for unauthorized activities to thrive. As the nation debates broader gambling reforms, incidents like this highlight the need for cohesive enforcement and transparent licensing structures.
