The arrests come amid a rise in card game gambling centres throughout many rural parts of the district, despite police warnings and Government measures on public gatherings due to Covid-19.
Ernakulam Rural police now believe that over 200 gambling centres are in operation within the body’s limits, with Chief K Karthick calling on the public to inform the authorities of any such activities taking place.
“We could identify around 270 gambling centres in the district and raids were conducted in the last three days. Cases have been registered against 115 persons in Aluva, Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha, Puthencruz and Munambam police station limits alone,” said Karthick.
“Cash worth over Rs 1.25 lakh was seized from these centres. Fights at these gambling centres are regular, causing a nuisance to local residents. We urge the public to inform the police of any such illegal activities occurring in their neighbourhood.”
It is also believed that people from surrounding districts attend such centres often, furthering the concern around travel amid the ongoing pandemic.
An Ernakulam Rural officer added: “We have come to know that these gambling centres mushroomed after the lockdown. These games are mostly hosted in interior areas which are not easily accessible to the police. The persons running these centres provide all facilities, including food and liquor. In some cases, card game gambling is held at rented houses.”
