Gujarat Police SMC Raids Manpasand Gymkhana, Detains 180 in Major Gambling Bust

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Police’s State Monitoring Cell (SMC) on Sunday evening raided the controversial Manpasand Gymkhana in Ahmedabad’s Dariapur area and detained around 180 people for allegedly participating in a high-stakes gambling operation. During the raid, police seized cash, mobile phones, vehicles, and other valuables worth several lakh rupees. The operation, which began on Sunday afternoon, continued on Monday as authorities questioned the detainees and recorded their statements.

The action was carried out after the SMC received specific information about an illegal gambling den allegedly operating from the club premises. All those detained are being questioned, and legal action has been initiated under the Prevention of Gambling Act.

Notably, the raid was conducted by the Gandhinagar-based SMC instead of the local police, a move that is likely to raise fresh questions about policing and enforcement in the area. During the raid, senior officers, including SMC SP Mayur Chavda and DIG Vishal Vaghela, reached the spot late at night and reviewed the investigation.

The latest crackdown has once again put Manpasand Gymkhana in the spotlight. The club has been linked to multiple gambling cases over the years despite repeated police action.

In July 2021, the SMC raided the same premises and arrested 183 people in one of Ahmedabad’s biggest gambling busts. The operation led to disciplinary action against almost the entire staff of the Dariapur police station, with several personnel suspended or transferred over allegations of failing to curb the illegal activities.

According to police sources, gambling activities allegedly resumed at the club despite the earlier crackdown. In October 2023, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch again raided the gymkhana and arrested its owner along with 26 others, alleging that gambling was being conducted under the guise of skill-based games.

The latest operation is among the biggest gambling raids in Ahmedabad in recent years and is expected to once again raise questions about how the establishment allegedly continued operating despite multiple enforcement actions. DeshGujarat