Gambling cases, AP worst in India

Police hand in glove with operators

Some of the city clubs are doing business worth Rs 5-10 lakh through gambling, on a daily basis. Social activists allege that such clubs enjoy political clout which forces the police to turn a blind eye

Andhra Pradesh tops the list in the country gambling cases, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

A total of 87,988 cases of gambling were reported in 2012 as against 83,533 in 2011. NCRB data reveals that the state reported highest number of gambling cases (2,67,718) between 2007-2012. Madhya Pradesh comes at a distant second with 1,14,428 and Maharashtra stands third with 65,622 cases. Arunachal Pradesh and Lakshadweep did not record any gambling cases, while Delhi reported 2,177 cases during the period.

Crores of rupees changed hands through betting in cockfights, teen-patti and other illegal gambling practices. This is in violation of AP Gaming Act, 1974. A study into the socio economic pattern of those involved in gambling reveals that the people involved, range from middle class to the rich. The cops feel that gambling is embedded within our society, as part of the mainstream culture.

“In eastern part of the city, it is usually middle class people and small businessmen, who make their way to these gambling circuits to mint easy money and to find some sort of recreation during weekends. Most of them are middle aged,” said B Limba Reddy, Additional DCP, Task Force.

In July 2012, police raided a flat in Film Nagar and arrested 26 high profile people, including those who had political affiliations with different parties. In September 2011, the city cops busted a gambling den located in Basheerbagh. A majority of the people involved in gambling were city jewellers, having shops and outlets in posh areas like Basheerbagh, Abids, Somajiguda and Banjara Hills.

“Police raids and registrations increases during New Year and Sankranti season, when cases of violations are always on the rise,” said Shahnawaz Qasim, DCP, East Zone.

The state recorded a fair amount of gambling cases over a period of two years, but the punishment for such people was not much as they are asked to pay a minimal fine. The offenders were set free after judicial reprimand.

“Recently, we raided JS Reddy Club and Friends Club in Saidabad and arrested the operators involved in teen-patta game. Only the repeat offenders and those who operate the gambling dens receive more serious punishment. Cases are registered under Section 3 and 4 of AP Gaming Act and the accused are produced in court,” the DCP added. “Teen-patta is a popular game through which gambling takes place. It is a game of pure chance whereas rummy on the other hand, requires a certain amount of skill,” he said.

According to sources, some of the city clubs are doing business worth Rs 5-10 lakh through gambling, on a daily basis. Social activists allege that such clubs enjoy political clout which forces the police to turn a blind eye. The police too gets its share of the pie, they alleged.

On asked about the measures taken by cops to curb this, police said they have been taking action against bookies and kingpins and illegally run clubs. Police also feel that unless the law is further strengthened, it would be difficult to curb such practices.