Gambling den busted at upscale residential society in Kharadi

A press release issued by the police stated that 24 persons were sitting face to face on two tables and playing poker. Police nabbed all 24 along with Shlok Sanjay Sangtani (29) and Siddhant Kakkar (35) during the raid. Police seized playing cards, poker chips and other items, all worth Rs 77,100 from the spot.

Senior police inspector Sanjay Chavan said, “Poker is a form of gambling and is banned in Maharashtra. Sangtani is the owner of the apartment. A prima-facie investigation revealed that Sangtani and his friend Kakkar, both residing together at the apartment, had started a poker gambling den at the spot on every weekend. Food was also being provided to the gambling customers at the apartment.”

A first information report (FIR) was lodged against the accused persons at the Kharadi police station under sections of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act. Police said the accused were not arrested, but an investigation was on against them.

A police officer said poker is not banned in some Indian states. It is, however, banned in Maharashtra and hence an offence was lodged against those who had allegedly set up the gambling den.