Bhubaneswar: The police in Odisha’s Ganjam district have intensified their crackdown on illegal gambling during the festive season, conducting raids at 79 gambling dens across different police station jurisdictions over the past three days.

During the raids, the cops arrested 440 gamblers and seized cash amounting to Rs 11,64,936, along with 113 mobile phones and 25 vehicles.

On October 22 alone, police raided 42 gambling dens across 21 police station areas. The operation resulted in the arrest of 250 gamblers and the seizure of Rs 7,09,871 in cash, 69 mobile phones and 11 vehicles.

As per reports, Bhanjanagar Police registered the highest number of cases, filing five cases and arresting 29 gamblers. Meanwhile, Hinjilicut Police registered two cases, arrested five gamblers and seized Rs 91,340 in cash.

Ganjam Superintendent of Police Harisha B.C. said police were maintaining strict surveillance over illegal gambling and other unlawful activities during the festive season.

He urged members of the public to promptly report any instances of illegal gambling or other criminal activities by contacting the emergency helpline number 112.

The intensified enforcement drive is aimed at curbing illegal gambling and maintaining law and order across the district during the festive period.