Odisha: 21 gamblers held for violating COVID guidelines during weekend shutdown

Jeypore: The Jeypore Sadar police of Koraput district has arrested 21 persons for violating COVID-19 guidelines by playing gambling during the weekend shutdown yesterday.

Acting on reliable information that about 30 to 35 persons are playing gambling near a forest at Padampur vilaage, a police team led by Jeypore Sadar ASI Manoranjan Sahu conducted a raid at teh spot and nabbed 21 gamblers. Some of them were guarding at different places to keep an eye on police movement. However, others managed to abscond from the spot.

The cops also seized a cash of Rs 70,000, 13 mobile phone and 12 motor cycles from their possession.

The gamblers were arrested under Section 294, 506, 353 and 188 of IPC and Section 51 (B) of DM Act. The arrested will be produced before court later in the day.

“Koraput police has been taking stringent action against the persons who violate the COVID-19 guidelines after several efforts of creating public awareness. These efforts will continue for keeping the town safe from the pandemic,” said a police statement.