Gambling dominates festive nights

BERHAMPUR: Gambling during Dussehra and Kumar Purnima is considered auspicious in most parts of Ganjam when the entire district virtually turns into a betting hotbed. Temporary gambling dens come up in all villages and towns of the district and people, cutting across all sections, zealously participate in the game played with cards. The stakes range from as small as one rupee to several lakhs. Sometimes, valuables like jewellery and vehicles are also put at stake.

While Gajalaxmi (goddess of wealth) is worshipped during  daytime, gambling dominates the festive night. People from all sections gamble on this day. Regardless of change in fortune, most of the residents try their luck at the game. Even parents ask their children to gamble during the festival. “Many people believe Laxmi can be invoked only through gambling on this day. Children go for gambling wearing new clothes,” said a local.

Since festivity continues, the street corners bustle with activity with children taking part in the gambling. These children, who come from poor families, make money during the period. People in the region spend sleepless nights by playing cards during the festive season. Even shop owners have launched several lottery schemes to attract buyers.

Police said people, who could afford high stakes, get involved and several gangs organise gambling for a few hours at one place and then vanish. During raids last week, more than 150 persons were rounded up and lakhs of rupees were seized.City SDPO Shantanu Dash said, “We raid illegal gambling dens, not gambling by family. But those who plan to gamble in the open will invite police action.”

23 held for gambling

Jeypore: Sadar police arrested 23 persons after raiding three gambling dens in Jeypore block on Thursday. Several persons were found gambling in Kumarput, Ambaguda and Panjiaguda villages. Acting on a tip off, the police team raided the dens and arrested 23 persons. An amount of D77,000 and nine bikes were seized from them. Gambling is rampant in every nook and corner in the tribal region during Kumar Purnima.