Bargarh Police Bust Major Gambling Racket, 16 Arrested

Bargarh district police cracked down on a large gambling den in the Grindela forest near Baramkela, Barpali block, on Wednesday evening following a tip‑off.

Acting swiftly, officers raided the site and seized Rs 1,09,380 in cash, 15 motorcycles, and two cars.

Sixteen individuals from different villages were arrested during the operation.

The accused include Sadashiv Meher, Khirendra Bag, Nirmal Padhaan, Upendra Rana, Pradeep Jhankar, Gopalakrishna Sahu, Lambedhar Bhoi, Hembanta Garia, Manabendra Nag, Keshab Sahu, Sudam Sathua, Sunil Bharadwaj, Shyam Seth, Dr Pradhan, Anil Rehidas, and Mahendra Rehidas.

Police registered Case No. 149 and forwarded all accused to court.

Officials emphasized that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb rising gambling activities in the region.