13 August,2026 09:55 AM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondent
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Police apprehended 27 persons for alleged gambling and betting activities during raids at three locations in Maharashtra's Latur district, officials said on Wednesday. Cash, mobile phones and vehicles valued at a total of Rs 17.84 lakh were seized during the operations.
The raids were carried out by a special team from the Nanded police range as part of a drive against illegal activities in the district. Police also launched a helpline called 'Khabar' to allow people to report illegal businesses and gambling activities.
According to a police release, the special team conducted its first raid on Tuesday at a premises near a restaurant within the limits of Shivajinagar police station. The team found a matka betting operation in progress and detained six persons.
Police seized Rs 12,610 in cash and three mobile phones valued at Rs 19,000 from the premises, the release said.
The operation was part of a wider drive to identify and take action against illegal gambling and betting activities in the district. The police said the raids were conducted based on information gathered as part of efforts to curb such activities.
The special team later raided a premises near the New Renapur Naka area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Vivekanand Chowk police station.
Nine persons were detained during the raid for their alleged involvement in a betting operation, officials said. Police seized Rs 19,350 in cash and five mobile phones valued at Rs 42,000 from the premises.
The second operation brought the total number of persons detained in the two raids to 15. The seizures included cash and mobile phones allegedly being used in connection with the betting activity.
The third raid was conducted at a farm in the Ahmedpur police station area, where police detained 12 persons allegedly involved in gambling.
During the operation, police seized Rs 37,320 in cash, 12 mobile phones, two cars and five motorcycles. The vehicles were collectively valued at Rs 16.91 lakh, the police release said.
With the third operation, the total number of persons detained across the three raids reached 27. Police said the combined value of the cash, mobile phones and vehicles seized during the operations was Rs 17.84 lakh.
The latest action comes as police intensify efforts to curb gambling and other illegal activities in Latur district. The newly launched 'Khabar' helpline is also intended to provide residents with a channel to share information about illegal businesses and gambling activities with the police.
Police said the operations were carried out as part of the ongoing drive by the Nanded police range against illegal activities.
(With inputs from PTI)
