Guwahati: The Alapati Police in Assam's Barpeta district recently conducted a successful operation to crack down on illegal gambling in Sukhowarjhar village. During the raid, law enforcement officers apprehended a total of 13 individuals involved in gambling activities. The accused gamblers were identified as Jamal Ali, Moin Ali, Saddam Ali, Kashem Ali, Abdul Salam, Shahidul Islam, Abul Hussain, Khabir Uddin, Saiduddin, Nabir Uddin, Zahar Ali, Azizul Haque, and Mohidul Islam.
Along with the arrests, the authorities confiscated Rs 13,175 in cash, nine mobile phones, and various gambling-related items. This successful operation marks a significant milestone in the fight against illegal gambling in the area.
Prior to this crackdown, on April 18, the police detained eight individuals suspected of involvement in gambling in Lanka, Assam. The operation, led by Officer-in-Charge Shyamaljyoti Phukan, took place in Kaki, Hojai district during the night, specifically targeting gambling activities. The police caught eight individuals red-handed while they were gambling at Khring Khring village in Lanka.
The individuals detained in Lanka for gambling were Amrit Sinha, Bikram Majumdar, Shyamal Majumdar, Rupam Majumdar, Tapan Majumdar, Ajit Majumdar, Utpal Das, and Ramkrishna Majumdar. They were charged under relevant sections of the law and subsequently sent to jail.
These operations demonstrate the authorities' dedication to combating illegal gambling and promoting law and order in the region. By apprehending those involved in such activities and confiscating gambling-related items and cash, the police are sending a strong message that such practices will not be tolerated.
The crackdown on illegal gambling serves as a deterrent to others engaged in similar activities and aims to create a safer environment for the local community. These efforts contribute to maintaining peace and stability in Assam's Barpeta and Hojai districts, safeguarding the interests of law-abiding citizens.
In March, former MLA Naren Sonowal from the Naharkatia Assembly constituency in Dibrugarh was arrested for alleged involvement in gambling activities. The arrest took place during an operation conducted by the Dibrugarh police in the Boiragimoth area of the city. Six other individuals, namely Mukul Ghosh, Mehroz Ahmed, Dipendra Dutta, Ritwik Baruah, Abdul Rashid, and Dipak Ranjan, were also apprehended in connection with the case.
A case was registered against the arrested individuals under relevant sections of the law. Naren Sonowal, affiliated with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) party, had been elected as an MLA in 2016 from the Naharkatia Assembly constituency. Notably, in 2021, Sonowal was identified as the richest legislator among sitting MLAs, with declared assets worth Rs 33 crore, according to an analysis by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), a Delhi-based NGO.
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