SMC Raids Alleged Gambling Den In Mehsana, 18 Arrested; 14 Wanted

The Gujarat Police’s State Monitoring Cell (SMC) arrested 18 people and declared 14 others wanted after raiding an alleged gambling den operating from a farm near Kheralu in Mehsana district, police said on Friday.

The raid was conducted in an open area beside a thatched structure on a farm allegedly owned by Leelaji Rayaji Thakor, a resident of Limdi village in Kheralu taluka. Police said people were found allegedly involved in card gambling at the spot.

The operation was carried out by an SMC team led by Police Inspector J.J. Chavdana as part of action against illegal liquor and gambling activities across Gujarat.

18 Arrested, 14 Accused Wanted

According to police, 32 people have been named as accused in the case. Eighteen were arrested during the raid, while 14 others managed to flee and have been declared wanted.

The arrested accused include residents of Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha, Banaskantha and Rajasthan.

Police identified Thakor, who allegedly owned the farm and was suspected to have organised the gambling activity, among those who escaped during the raid. Thirteen other accused also allegedly fled the spot.

Cash, Vehicles And Mobile Phones Seized

The SMC seized ₹1.26 lakh in cash, eight vehicles, 15 mobile phones and material allegedly linked to the gambling activity.

The total value of the seized property was estimated at ₹24.63 lakh, according to the SMC.

A case was registered at Kheralu police station under the relevant provisions of the Gambling Act on September 11.

Search Underway For 14 Accused

Following the raid, the SMC launched efforts to trace the 14 accused who remain wanted, including the alleged organiser.

Police are also investigating the circumstances in which the gambling activity was allegedly being conducted at the farm and the role of the accused named in the case.

Further investigation is underway.