Mangaluru City Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar and other police officials were instructed by the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Alok Kumar on February 10, to conduct raids and shut down “Matka,” “Andar Bahar,” “Jugari,” and illegal gambling establishments operating in the city.

During a public hearing the Democratic Youth Federation of India’s Dakshina Kannada District President B.K. Imtiyaz claimed that “Andar Bahar,” “Matka,” and “Jugari” are being played at recreational clubs and other public locations throughout the city along with skill games which are being operated illegally.

“Nearly 30 such places are functioning within 200 meters radius of the office of Police Commissioner. These units function from morning till night, and laborers are losing their hard-earned money. Right under the nose of city police, this illegal activity is thriving,” said Imtiyaz according to The Hindu.

The DYFI recently demonstrated in front of buildings where these games were being played and said, “We got calls from the operators asking money that they have to pay to keep our mouths shut.”

Imtiyaz disclosed the location of the complex where all gambling activities were occurring, and ADGP Alok Kumar instructed ACP Mahesh Kumar to conduct a raid immediately. Kumar also said that illegal activities should not be allowed to operate freely.

“Take action and restore the glory of the city police. If no action is taken, I am ready to send a team from Bengaluru for the raid,” he said.

Illegal betting and gambling establishments operate throughout the country. Recently, Noida police arrested 16 people linked to the Mahadev Book betting ring during a raid. According to the investigations, the arrested individuals have stolen more than Rs 400 crore in the last two months.