24 gamblers held in Dera Bassi since January

Satinder Pal Singh
Dera Bassi, October 19

The Dera Bassi police claimed to have arrested 24 persons in 11 cases registered under the Gambling Act since January 2018. The police recovered Rs 38,000 in cash from the gamblers. 

Moreover, as gambling cases have gone up during the festival season, in order to send a strong message, the police have started cracking a whip on gamblers. On earlier occasion, the police were criticised for being selective in their approach while tackling gamblers.

In a raid conducted by the special branch cell of the Punjab Police at the Zirakpur lottery bazaar on Thursday evening, two persons were held on charges of running the trade of single-digit lottery, said sources.

The in-charge of the special cell, Gabbar Singh, said they got a secret information about their activities. 

Similarly, tightening a noose around the gamblers, the Dera Bassi police here on October 14 had arrested five gamblers with Rs 14,000 in cash at two separate places.

Mohinder Singh, SHO, Dera Bassi, said the arrested were promising to pay Rs 800 for every Rs 10 on choosing a specific number.The SHO added that action was taken on a tip-off. Two teams, lead by Sub-Inspector Gursimranbir Singh and ASI Gurudas Singh, posted at the Dera Bassi police station, were formed and subsequently raids were conducted at the Ramlila ground near the Dera Bassi main bazaar and near the railway crossing on Tehsil Road, where the accused persons were found offering hefty sums. 

However, a police official said there was no provision of stern action as the offenders were booked under the Gambling Act, which was a bailable offence. “The law is no deterrent for them,” he said.

‘Darra satta’ is quite popular among migrant labourers at Dera Bassi, who eke out a living by doing menial jobs.

SHO Mohinder Singh said they were committed to curb every illegal activity. “The police arrest errants regularly. We take action whenever we get information,” the SHO added. “We will keep a close watch on locations most popular among gamblers and will arrest anyone found involved in gambling,” Mohinder concluded. 

Rs 38,000 recovered

• The police recovered Rs 38,000 in cash from the gamblers. SHO Mohinder Singh said they were committed to curb every illegal activity. “The police arrest errants regularly. We take action whenever we get information,” the SHO added. 
• However, a police official said there was no provision of stern action as the offenders were booked under the Gambling Act, which was a bailable offence. “The law is no deterrent for them,” he said.