MARGAO
The popular “matka” has come under the scanner of the law enforcing agencies in view the Model Code of Conduct coming into force in the State.
In fact, the gambling activity faced the brunt of the Goa Police on Wednesday evening with the men-in-uniform cracking a whip against the illegal activity.
Following the crackdown, most of the gaddas in the lanes and by-lanes across the commercial capital in the jurisdiction of Margao and Fatorda police stations, which were openly accepting bets from the customers have remained shut on Thursday.
While the matka gaddas located in the interior areas operated as usual, those which were involved in gambling activity in full public glare have shut shop. Sources said the situation has left the daily customers to go for the option of placing bets over the phone or travel to the areas where the activity continued unabated.
It could not be ascertained whether these shops could remain shut till the election process is complete or will be closed for a couple of days in the wake of the raid.
Sources in the Goa police informed that around 44 cases of matka gambling were booked across South Goa district Wednesday night. Incidentally, the raids have come on the eve of the ECI’s interaction with the top police brass of the states going to the polls which was scheduled on Thursday noon.
