Ganjam Police Arrest 684 in Major Gambling Crackdown

In a sweeping operation across India’s Ganjam district, authorities have arrested 684 people and seized significant assets, including cash, mobile phones, and vehicles, linked to unlicensed gambling activities.

The campaign, conducted between 15 September and 14 October, coincided with the festive season, a period historically associated with heightened betting activity across Odisha. Police filed 113 cases during the crackdown, with Bhanjanagar reporting the highest number of incidents—21 cases resulting in 138 arrests and RS 4.8 lakh in cash confiscated. Across the district, officials seized a total of RS 28.32 lakh (US$339,000), alongside 230 mobile phones and 35 motorcycles.

Legal Action and Enforcement
The operation was carried out under the Orissa Prevention of Gambling Act, which prescribes fines and imprisonment for managing or participating in illegal betting. Superintendent of Police Subhendu Patra highlighted that gambling activity tends to surge during festivals, sometimes disrupting public order, and confirmed that enforcement and monitoring efforts would continue.

Authorities are also investigating the organisers behind the illegal operations uncovered during the campaign, aiming to dismantle networks and deter future violations. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to reinforce compliance with state gambling laws and discourage community involvement in unlicensed betting.

Long-Term Objectives
The police emphasised that the crackdown is not just about arrests but also about creating lasting deterrents, particularly during festive periods when gambling activity rises. Continuous monitoring, joint operations, and intelligence-led enforcement will remain priorities in Ganjam, covering both urban and rural areas.

As Odisha authorities maintain heightened vigilance, questions remain over whether these measures will push illicit gambling further underground or mark the start of a sustained improvement in regulatory oversight.