Noida, June 1: In a significant crackdown against illegal gambling and betting, police in Noida have arrested 20 individuals in the Sector-49 area. The operation resulted in the seizure of ₹1,62,250 in cash, 160 playing cards, seven two-wheelers, one four-wheeler, and 22 mobile phones.
The raid was conducted on Monday based on local intelligence and confidential information. According to police reports, they received a tip-off about gambling activities taking place in a room at the Sunrise Hotel in Sector-51. Acting on this information, the police raided the location and apprehended the suspects.
The arrested individuals hail from various regions, including Noida, Greater Noida, Bulandshahr, Mathura, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. During interrogation, the suspects revealed that they had arrived at the hotel in their vehicles and were gambling by placing cash bets with mutual consent. A substantial amount of cash and gambling materials were recovered from the scene, including ₹1,62,250 in cash, 160 playing cards, 22 mobile phones, seven motorcycles, and one car.
Authorities believe that a network for betting and communication was also being operated through mobile phones, which is currently under investigation. It has come to light that some of the arrested individuals have prior criminal records. Sachin Gupta has a case registered against him for assault and causing harm, while Manoj Kumar has been involved in a road accident case.
Additionally, Mohammad Shami and Kapil Sharma have previously faced action under the Public Gambling Act. The Sector-49 police have registered cases against all suspects under Sections 3/4 of the Public Gambling Act.
Police officials have stated that their campaign against illegal gambling and betting in the district will continue, and strict actions will be taken against those involved in such activities. Investigations are also underway to determine whether the hotel management was aware of these activities and if the location has been used for gambling in the past.