Mungeli । Continuing its aggressive campaign against gambling and betting activities, Mungeli Police have taken major action under “Operation Baaz” and arrested two bookies involved in offline and online betting.
Acting on the directions of Superintendent of Police Shri Bhojram Patel (IPS), the police launched a special drive to completely curb gambling activities in the district. Under the guidance of Additional Superintendent of Police Mayank Tiwari and Deputy Superintendent of Police Navneet Patil, the Cyber Cell and City Kotwali Police carried out the operation based on confidential information.
In the first action, police arrested Zahid Ali (35), a resident of Chudi Line, Gol Bazaar, Mungeli, who was found openly enticing people with cash rewards and writing betting slips at a public place. From his possession, police seized ₹20,000 in cash, a betting slip, and a Realme mobile phone worth ₹5,000. A case has been registered against him at City Kotwali Police Station under Crime No. 15/26, Section 6 of the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act, and he was sent to judicial custody.
In a separate operation near the Municipal School area, police arrested Raj Soni (35), a resident of Sadar Bazaar, Mungeli, for running online betting through the Cricket Maza Eleven app using a mobile phone. Investigation revealed WhatsApp chats related to cricket betting and financial transactions. Police seized a Samsung S25 Ultra mobile phone worth ₹50,000 from his possession. A case was registered under Crime No. 16/26, Section 7 of the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act, and additional preventive action was taken under Sections 170, 126(B), and 135(2) of BNSS before sending him to jail after presenting him before the SDM.
SP Shri Bhojram Patel stated that strict instructions have been issued to all police stations and outposts in the district to take firm action against gambling, betting, and related illegal activities, and such operations will continue relentlessly.
The successful operation involved the crucial role of Inspector Prasad Sinha (In-charge Cyber Cell), Inspector Kartikeshwar Jangde, SI Ishwar Rajput, and other police personnel including Naresh Yadav, Nokhe Kurre, Yashwant Dahire, Bali Ram Dhruv, Chandra Dhruv, Ravi Jangde, Ravi Minj, Giriraj Singh, Bheshaj Pandeykar, Rahul Yadav, Hemsingh Thakur, Rakesh Banjare, and Parmeshwar Jangde.
Mungeli Police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a gambling-free district.