Janjgir-Champa ।
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 60th All-India DGP/IGP Conference held recently in Raipur, emphasized that “police must earn back the trust of the public.” However, the current ground reality in Janjgir-Champa tells a sharply contrasting story. Questions are being raised on law enforcement as the ₹78-lakh loot case remains unsolved even after nine months, while illegal gambling dens continue to flourish in rural areas.
Gambling Rackets Active in Fields — Videos Reveal Organised Network
In the villages of Pisaud, Pithampur, Udayban and nearby areas, gambling activities reportedly begin every evening around 4 PM. Bikes queue up, cards are dealt, and stakes worth lakhs of rupees are placed on the spot.
A viral video circulating on social media shows a large-scale gambling setup where transactions appear clearly visible. Although the authenticity of the video is yet to be verified, locals confirm that gambling dens have been active for years. Residents say that despite regular police patrolling, the gambling network remains unaffected — “the rackets vanish the moment police arrive and reopen at a new location the next day.”
Police have taken several actions in the past:
- October 2025: 8 gamblers — including 6 patwaris — arrested in Raman Nagar; approx. ₹20 lakh seized
- Crackdowns in Pamgarh & Champa: Multiple gamblers arrested from farms and highways
- Pithampur: 10 individuals detained in a major raid
- Mulumula region: Dens return soon after elections despite police patrolling
Despite increased vigilance under SP Vijay Pandey, results remain largely superficial, and the expanding gambling network hints at a well-organised criminal system rather than isolated groups.
₹78-Lakh Loot Case Still a Mystery — Police Efforts Yield Zero Leads
Parallel to the gambling problem lies the district’s biggest unresolved crime.
On January 14, 2025, armed robbers attacked a liquor store collection team, shot a security guard, stole a cash bag containing ₹78 lakh, and fled on a blue HF Deluxe motorcycle. Former SP Vivek Shukla launched an extensive investigation, followed by SP Vijay Pandey, but:
- No solid lead has emerged
- No network has been traced
- No CCTV clue has resulted in breakthrough
- ₹5 lakh reward has failed to pull out eyewitnesses or information
Multiple district raids and widespread searches have produced no actionable progress, raising serious questions about the credibility of the investigation.
Two Crises — One Question
When the big crime remains unsolved and the small crimes refuse to stop, restoring public confidence becomes nearly impossible.
PM Modi stressed that “policing must focus on winning people’s trust.” But trust is not built on statements — it is built on results.
At present:
- The ₹78-lakh loot remains unsolved
- Illegal gambling rackets continue uninterrupted
This is the ground reality of Janjgir-Champa — one that runs contrary to the direction the Prime Minister laid out.
What Will Restore Public Trust?
Public confidence will return only when:
- The loot case is cracked
- Accused are arrested
- Gambling network is dismantled permanently
- Visible, long-term outcomes replace statements and assurances
Only then will the police image recover — the very goal the Prime Minister highlighted on a national platform.