Haridwar, Mar 29: At least 40 people, including 10 women, were arrested during a police raid on an alleged illegal gambling party at a hotel in Rishikesh, officials said on Saturday.
The raid was conducted at Navrang Hotel, where the gathering was reportedly organised in the manner of a makeshift casino, with arrangements for gambling and liquor service, police said.
Those detained are said to be residents of Dehradun, Meerut and Rishikesh.In a related development, 12 police personnel, including a sub-inspector posted at the IDPL police check post, have been suspended for alleged negligence and suspected prior knowledge of the illegal activity.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Dehradun, Pramendra Dobal said the premises have been sealed and efforts are underway to trace the hotel owner.
“Verification of the backgrounds of those arrested is in progress. Departmental action has been initiated against the police personnel concerned,” he said.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Gambling Act and the Excise Act.
Police officials added that investigations are also focusing on the role of the organisers and whether the women present were engaged solely for service purposes or subjected to any form of exploitation.Further investigation is underway, they said.
