Major Police Crackdown in Bhagalpur Raid on Illegal Gambling Den Operating Under Lohia Bridge, Two Notorious Gamblers Rithik and Kapildev Arrested; Cash and Diaries Recovered
Bhagalpur (Special Correspondent): The police administration in Bihar's Bhagalpur district has been adopting a continuously strict stance to clamp down on criminals and illegal activities. In this sequence, Bhagalpur Police has achieved a major breakthrough. The police conducted a sudden, intensive raid on an illegal gambling den that had been operating secretly for quite some time under the Lohia Bridge, one of the city's busiest and most sensitive areas. This swift and precise police action caused panic among gamblers. Police caught two main accused—Rithik Kumar and Kapildev मंडल (Kapildev Mandal)—red-handed while gambling at the spot. During a search, police also recovered INR 5,200 in cash and two suspicious diaries recording financial transactions related to the gambling from the scene. This action has sent shockwaves through those running illegal rackets in the city.
How Did the Police Get Information? The Full Story of a Covert Operation
Over the past few days, senior police officials in Bhagalpur had been receiving continuous complaints that groups of anti-social elements gather under several major public locations and bridges across the city, playing illegal gambling games from daylight until the dead of night:
Precise Tip-off from an Informant: The local police station received secret information regarding the large-scale operation of illegal gambling under the Lohia Bridge. The intel indicated that cunning gamblers placed stakes there daily and ensnared unsuspecting people, exploiting them financially.
Formation of a Special Police Team: Keeping the gravity of the matter in view, a special raiding team was formed under the leadership of the local station house officer (SHO). The team was instructed to monitor the area in plain clothes.
The Thrilling Sequence of the Raid: Stampede Erupts Upon Seeing Police
On Wednesday, in a planned manner, a police force suddenly descended beneath the Lohia Bridge:
Encirclement from All Sides: The police team surrounded the area underneath Lohia Bridge with such silence and speed that the gamblers did not even get a chance to compose themselves. Seeing the police approach, chaos erupted among the people gambling there.
Attempt to Flee Thwarted: Upon seeing the police, some individuals managed to escape the spot taking advantage of the darkness and heavy crowd, but alert police personnel showed promptness and pinned down the two main accused—Rithik Kumar and Kapildev Mandal—right at the spot. All their attempts to flee proved futile.
Recoveries: What Was Found at the Spot?
Following a formal search of the arrested accused and an intensive check of the cordoned-off scene, the police seized significant materials:
INR 5,200 in Cash: A total of INR 5,200 in cash staked on the gambling table/ground was recovered from the site, which was being used to place bets.
Two Accounting Diaries: The two diaries seized by the police expose the raw ledger of this illegal trade. These diaries record the names, phone numbers, and complete accounts of credit-debit transactions of individuals who regularly visited this gambling den. Based on these diaries, the police are now investigating the network and tracking down other associates linked to this racket.
Police Interrogation and Further Legal Action
Following their arrest, both accused were brought to the respective police station, where they underwent extensive interrogation:
Search for Accomplices Underway: During interrogation, the accused made several crucial revelations. They also named other individuals behind the scenes who were involved in operating this illegal business. The police are preparing to raid their hideouts as well.
Legal Charges Filed: Police officials stated that an First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against both arrested accused—Rithik Kumar and Kapildev Mandal—under the Gambling Act and other relevant sections. After completing paperwork, both were sent to judicial custody in jail.
Strict Message Against Illegal Activities at Public Places
Following this successful raid, the Bhagalpur Police administration has delivered a clear message that illegal activities or gambling-betting under bridges, in parks, or secluded spots in any part of the city will not be tolerated at all:
Patrolling and Surveillance Intensified: The police have stated that regular patrolling in such areas will be stepped up so that general citizens and commuters do not face any form of inconvenience or fear.
Appeal to the Public: The police have appealed to the enlightened citizens and conscious people of the city that if any such illegal businesses or anti-social activities are operating anywhere around them, they should immediately inform the police. The identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential.
This raid conducted by Bhagalpur Police on the illegal gambling den under the Lohia Bridge is proof that the administration is fully alert to maintaining law and order. The arrest of two accused and the recovery of cash and diaries have shaken the roots of this illegal network. While this police vigilance has crushed the morale of criminals, the general public has also breathed a sigh of relief.
