India police bust illegal matka gambling racket, multiple arrests made
In a large-scale operation against illegal matka gambling in the Raigad region of India’s Maharashtra state, multiple arrests were made, and gambling materials and cash were seized. Raigad Police, led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge, carried out coordinated raids in Alibag, Pen, and Poynad as part of an ongoing crackdown on illicit betting activities.
Acting on a tip-off about illegal betting activities, SP Gharge instructed Police Inspector Balasaheb Khade of the Local Crime Branch (LCB) to take swift action. On Friday, seven teams, comprising three officers and 18 personnel, conducted raids at targeted locations.
In Alibag, authorities identified six locations involved in illegal gambling. As a result, six cases were registered under Section 12(A) of the . Those arrested include Ramesh Chavan (40), Ravindra Ingole (49), Mahesh Patil (38), Rupesh Mor (40), Gorakh Kadve (50), Krishnakant Patil (49), Pandharinath Mhatre (65), Paresh Mhatre (39), Bhavesh Mhatre (28), Sahil Sahani (29), Supesh Patil (23), Milind Mhatre (49), Sujit Mhatre (32), and Krishna Mhatre (40).
Further raids in Poynad and Pen resulted in additional arrests. In Poynad, two cases were registered, with Rajesh Kadam (54) and Prakash Mokal (56) taken into custody. In Pen, Vinod Deshmukh (36) was apprehended.
“All the arrested accused are being thoroughly interrogated to find if more people are involved,” Inspector Khade stated.
Senior police officials involved in the crackdown included Assistant Police Inspector Bhaskar Jadhav, Police Sub-Inspector Anil Gosavi, and several officers and constables from the LCB.
What is matka gambling?
Matka gambling, also known as Satta, is a form of betting and lottery that originally involved betting on the opening and closing rates of cotton transmitted from the New York Cotton Exchange to the Bombay Cotton Exchange. It has its roots dating back to the pre-independence era and was previously known as Ankada Jugar (figures gambling).
Matka gambling is based on selecting and betting on numbers ranging from 00 to 99. If a gambler places a correct bet, they receive Rs 90 ($1.04 approx.) for every rupee wagered. The name “matka” comes from the early practice of writing numbers on slips of paper and placing them in a large earthen pot (matka). Today, cards are used to draw the winning numbers.
The game gained popularity in the 1960s and has evolved into various formats, often operated through bookies and online platforms. Despite being outlawed in India, matka gambling continues to thrive. Authorities frequently conduct crackdowns to curb its influence, as it is linked to financial fraud and other criminal activities.
