Authorities in Gujarat have uncovered a massive illegal gambling operation styled after Goan casinos operating right inside a prominent recreational facility in Ahmedabad. The high-stakes racket functioned with extreme secrecy inside the Daryapur locality, employing specialized codenames and sophisticated financial channels to keep the clandestine enterprise hidden from law enforcement agencies.
SMC Raid Leads to 187 Arrests
A specialized squad from the Gandhinagar State Monitoring Cell conducted a surprise raid on the Manpasand Gymkhana Club, successfully apprehending 187 individuals, including the main organizers of the gambling den. Investigators revealed that the masterminds behind the operation, identified as Govind alias Gama Patel and Kiritsinh Chavda, charged massive rental fees ranging between 15,000 and 30,000 rupees per table. Club memberships were sold for 2,000 rupees each. Following the arrests, police transported all the accused to the metropolitan court utilizing four police buses and one AMTS bus.
The syndicate operated under the guise of club recreation, providing a total of 22 rented tables where patrons gathered around the clock. Govind alias Gama Patel, in active connivance with Kiritsinh Mafasinh Chavda and several associates, managed the daily affairs of this unauthorized setup, admitting members specifically to partake in heavy betting sessions.
Use of Angadia Couriers and Digital UPI Transactions
Financial dealings within the gambling ring relied heavily on traditional cash transport networks alongside modern digital methods. Operators utilized prominent Angadia firms situated in Madhupura and Kalupur, including P.M. and R.K. Ramesh Kanti Angadia, H.R. Angadia, and P.M. Angadia, to settle massive monetary transactions. Individuals like Mulubha and Kishor Marwadi acted as intermediaries coordinating payments for the rented tables. Police records indicate that substantial funds were channeled through these courier networks under the names of Chirag Patel, Ajit Shah, and Anand Thakor, alongside direct UPI transfers.
A Repeat Offence Following the 2021 Crackdown
Records indicate that this is not the first time the same establishment has faced law enforcement action. Back in 2021, the State Monitoring Cell had raided the exact same Manpasand Gymkhana Club, arresting 183 gamblers and seizing valuables worth approximately 85 lakh rupees. The fallout from that previous raid resulted in the suspension of 12 local police personnel, including the then Daryapur police inspector and sub-inspector, due to severe administrative negligence.
