Illegal lottery operators corner policemen in Ludhiana

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 22

Illegal lottery operators in Janakpuri here yesterday cornered the anti-smuggling cell chief of the Ludhiana Commissionerate, Yashpal Sharma, along with his team, when he had gone to conduct a raid at an illegal lottery shop in the area.

Cops had nabbed the lottery operator, but aides of the latter forcibly freed him from the cops.

Later, senior police officials reached the spot and handled the situation.

Surprisingly, the police registered an FIR against unknown persons despite such a huge drama that brought embarrassment to the police.

An FIR was registered against unknown persons under the Gambling Act, 379-B (snatching), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public function), 224 (resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension), 120-B (criminal conspiracy).

As per the complainant SI Yashpal, he along with ASI Harjap, senior constable Manvir, constables Ranjit, Harjinder, had gone to catch the illegal lottery operator.

First, he sent cop Manvir to buy an illegal lottery ticket and the moment it was bought he, along with other cops, raided the provisional store situated close to Panna Jewellers in Janakpuri.

Darra Satta (lottery) slips, calculator, currency notes and a copy were seized from the lottery operator. Later, aides of the suspect gathered there and cornered the police. They forcibly freed the nabbed person from police custody and also snatched the seized things from a cop and helped the lottery operator to flee from the place.

Meanwhile, sources said aides of lottery operators had levelled allegations against cops for demanding bribe to run the illegal trade, but they had not submitted any complaint.

Jeweller on police radar

Sources said a jeweller in Janakpuri is said to be the key illegal lottery operator and the police has also been keeping a tab on him, but due to the lack of evidence, the police failed to catch him.