Mega Raid In Ahmedabad: SMC Busted Massive Gambling Den in Dariyapur, Detains 187

In one of the largest anti-gambling operations in Gujarat in recent memory, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of the Gujarat Police raided the controversial Manpasand Gymkhana in Ahmedabad’s Dariyapur area on Sunday night, detaining 187 people allegedly engaged in high-stakes gambling.

The marathon operation, which lasted for over 22 hours, saw heavy police deployment as officers cordoned off the facility, catalogued evidence, and audited vehicles parked across the venue premises.

Heavy Seizures In Massive 22-Hour Operation

Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding illegal gambling operations running from the establishment, a team from the Gandhinagar-based SMC descended on the club late Sunday evening. The sudden raid triggered widespread panic among patrons, with several trying to flee before police sealed the exit points.

By the end of the 22-hour search, SMC officials confirmed the detention of 187 individuals. Law enforcement personnel confiscated 29 vehicles, 176 mobile phones, and ₹3.30 lakh in cash directly linked to the illicit betting activity. Senior officers, including Deputy Inspector General Vishal Vaghela and Superintendent of Police Mayursingh Chavda, arrived on-site to oversee the ongoing procedural documentation.

Repeat Offender Under High-Level Scrutiny

Manpasand Gymkhana, situated in Dariyapur's Mota Waghjipura area, has a long history of law enforcement action. The SMC previously raided the exact venue in July 2021, arresting 183 people in an operation that led to the suspension and transfer of nearly the entire staff at the local Dariyapur police station over allegations of negligence.

Another major raid by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch in October 2023 yielded 27 arrests after investigators discovered gambling operating under the guise of card-based skill games.

Sunday's swift action by the SMC—conducted independently of local police divisions—has once again raised questions regarding how the establishment managed to resume large-scale gambling operations despite repeated legal shutdowns.

Investigators are currently auditing seized digital devices, probing the venue's ownership structure, and registering cases under the Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act against the organisers and participants.