Indore: 18 Arrested for Gambling at IAS Officer Farmhouse, 3 Police Suspended

In a significant operation, the Indore police conducted a raid at a farmhouse belonging to a woman Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, uncovering an illegal gambling racket. According to police officials, the raid took place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday at the property located in Awalipura village, approximately 50 kilometers from Indore city. During the operation, 18 individuals were caught red-handed while gambling, while six others, including the mastermind, managed to flee the scene.

Details of Seizures and Legal Action

68 lakh in cash from the site. In addition to the currency, 30 mobile phones and decks of playing cards were seized. The arrested individuals hail from various parts of the state. Officials noted that while the main gate of the farmhouse was locked from the outside, illegal activities were being conducted within the premises, while cases have been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Gambling Act.

IAS Officer Complaint Regarding Trespassing

The farmhouse is owned by the family of IAS officer Vandana Vaidya, who currently serves as the Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Finance Development Corporation. Following the raid, Vaidya submitted a formal letter to the police, stating that unidentified individuals had illegally trespassed into her family property to conduct criminal activities. In her complaint, she expressed suspicion of theft and requested the police to register a separate criminal case for illegal entry and potential loss of property. The officer maintained that the activities were conducted without the knowledge or consent of the owners.

Suspension of Police Personnel

Taking note of the administrative lapse, the Indore Rural Police department has suspended three personnel for negligence of duty. The suspended officials include the Station House Officer (SHO) of Manpur police station, a Sub-Inspector (SI), and an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), while an internal inquiry has been initiated to determine how such a large-scale gambling operation was functioning within their jurisdiction without detection. The department is investigating potential lapses in patrolling and intelligence gathering in the Awalipura area.

Search for Absconding Suspects

The police have identified the main organizer of the gambling event as Jagdish Rathore, alias Kubda, who escaped during the raid along with the farmhouse caretaker, Ranjit Choudhary, and four others. Special teams have been formed to apprehend the absconding suspects. Investigators are currently examining the duration of the racket's operation at the site and whether any local networks facilitated the gathering. The SP stated that the claims made by the IAS officer regarding illegal trespassing would be thoroughly investigated as part of the ongoing probe.