the goan I network
VASCO
A number of gambling clubs have shut down operations after Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar met police officials in a bid eradicate gambling clubs operating run illegally in various flats and establishments of the port town.
According to sources, some gambling clubs have been operating in various parts of Vasco, especially in residential flats and commercial shops.
“The turnover at some gambling clubs on any given day could run into lakhs of rupees. Some women from places had met Gaonkar and complained that much of the salaries earned by family heads were being squandered at such gambling
clubs,” said the source.
Acting on the complains, Gaonkar later met Police SP Arvind Gawas and Mormugao DySP Sunita Sawant and informed them that some card gambling clubs were operating in the port town but were difficult to be traced as they were operating in a secret manner at various
corners of the city.
Stating that only regular customers, who knew the location of the clubs, could help the police in the matter, Gaonkar also requested the police team to take stringent action in this regards.
Sources at MMC said in the last few days, gambling clubs have been unearthed and have now closed operations.
Gaonkar’s efforts to clamp down on gambling clubs have earned him widespread appreciation across the port town. “When I took over as MMC chairperson, my first aim was to get rid of all illegalities plaguing the city. I initially undertook an encroachment drive and then began shifting vendors under one roof.”
“As I was on my drive to curb public inconvenience, some women approached me and told me about these gambling clubs. They informed that all salaries earned by their husbands or fathers were being squandered in these clubs and the family members had to suffer because of this gambling vice.”
“I immediately put my staff on the job to try and locate such clubs and also met SP Arvind Gawas and Mormugao DySP Sunita Sawant and requested them to close these clubs,” said Gaonkar.
“I have been informed that the clubs have been shut down and I thank the police for their quick action on my request. The police have saved the lives of many families by stopping such gambling clubs and I request the police to maintain this spirit and to prevent such gambling clubs from operating in Vasco,” Gaonkar added.
