Major gambling gang busted in Kozhikode

In a joint midnight operation, the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) and the Chevayur police busted a major gambling racket allegedly operating out of a rented house in a quiet residential neighbourhood near Malaparamba here, arresting 12 persons and seizing ₹4,96,050 in cash.

Acting on a tip-off, a special police team led by Narcotic Cell Assistant Commissioner Jeevan George conducted a surprise raid around 11.30 p.m. on Thursday (November 12) at the house located on Gurudev Road near Malaparamba Junction. According to the police, the gang had deliberately chosen the secluded residential locality to organise high-stakes card games without drawing public attention.

The arrested are Muhammed Rafi, 52, of Kakkodi, Sivamani, 40, of Karuvissery, Anil Kumar, 49, of Ulliyeri, Abdul Latheef, 50, of Parambil Bazar, Balakrishnan, 56, of Chemancheri, Saleem, 58, of Karaparamba, Abdul Najeeb, 62, of Vengeri, Muhammed Riyas, 41, of Vazhakkad in Malappuram, Poulose, 51, of Kuthiravattom, Anil Kumar, 41, of Elathur, Shamnas, 40, of Chelannur, and Satheesh Kumar of Palazhi.

Playing cards and other gambling gadgets were also seized. The Chevayur police have registered a case against the accused under Sections 7 and 8 of the Kerala Gaming Act.

Senior police officers said that strict surveillance and stringent action against such illegal activities would continue in the coming days. The investigation team comprised Chevayur sub inspectors Rafeeq and Abdul Muneer and DANSAF sub inspector E. Manoj.