Dariyapur PI, 2 Other Cops Suspended After SMC Raid on Manpasand Gymkhana in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: Three police officers attached to Dariyapur Police Station, including Police Inspector (PI) G.V. Gohil and the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) of the surveillance squad, have been suspended following a State Monitoring Cell (SMC) raid on Manpasand Gymkhana that uncovered an alleged large-scale gambling operation.

The suspension was ordered by the state police chief over alleged negligence in preventing gambling activities within the jurisdiction. Following the action, the charge of Dariyapur Police Station has been handed over to the PI of Shahibaug Police Station.

The SMC conducted a raid at Manpasand Gymkhana on the night of August 2 without informing the local police. During the operation, officials reportedly detained 187 gamblers and seized a large quantity of cash and other material.

The raid has raised questions over the functioning of the local police, particularly as the premises had allegedly been under scrutiny in the past. It is learnt that information about gambling activities at the Dariyapur club had reportedly been available to local police and other city agencies. Despite previous action at the premises, sustained surveillance and stringent local action were allegedly not carried out.

The latest raid also revealed an alleged casino-style gambling setup. According to the investigation, the premises were operated in a manner resembling a Goa casino, with membership reportedly being used to regulate entry. Investigators also alleged that angadia firms were used for transferring gambling-related funds, while code words were used to maintain secrecy.

Police officials said operators Govind alias Gama Patel and Kiritsinh Chavda allegedly used angadia firms for financial transactions. As many as 22 tables had reportedly been rented out for gambling activities.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) subsequently sealed the premises on August 8 after an inspection allegedly found that parts of the property were being used for commercial purposes despite being approved for residential use.

Manpasand Gymkhana had faced SMC action earlier. In 2021, an SMC raid at the premises resulted in 183 gamblers being arrested and material worth around ₹85 lakh being seized. Following that operation, the then Dariyapur PI and PSI, along with 12 other police personnel, were suspended over alleged negligence.

The latest action has renewed scrutiny over how gambling activities allegedly resumed at the same premises despite the earlier crackdown and disciplinary action against local police personnel. DeshGujarat