In a significant crackdown on illegal gambling, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of the Gujarat Police conducted a late-night raid in Ahmedabad's historic old city area, leading to the arrest of 21 individuals. The operation, which took place on Friday, also resulted in the seizure of cash and valuables worth over Rs 7.7 lakh.
Notorious Figure Among Those Arrested
The police confirmed that one of the key individuals apprehended was Yusuf Khan, alias Yusuf Laplap, described as a notorious goon with criminal links. Authorities revealed that Laplap is a former associate of the slain gangster Abdul Latif. His presence at the gambling den indicated that the operation was part of a larger, organised network rather than an isolated, small-scale setup.
Details of the Raid and Seizures
The raid was executed at a house located in Arab Gali in the Popatiyawad area of Dariapur. The police team, led by PSI K D Raviya, acted under the provisions of the Prevention of Gambling Act (sections 4 and 5) and the newly enacted Section 112(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
During the search, officers confiscated substantial evidence, including:
- Cash amounting to Rs 3.15 lakh
- 21 mobile phones with an estimated value of Rs 2.75 lakh
- Six vehicles valued at approximately Rs 1.80 lakh
The total value of all seized items was calculated at Rs 7.71 lakh.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Network
Following the raid, all 21 accused were handed over to the Dariapur police station for further legal proceedings. However, one suspect, identified as Muhammad Hanif Sheikh, managed to evade capture and has been declared wanted by the police.
An investigating officer stated that this is not Laplap's first brush with the law, noting that he was previously held by the city crime branch in 2023 from a gymkhana in the same Dariapur area.
The police have now launched a deeper probe to uncover the financial trails, betting networks, and potential connections to other organised crime syndicates. "We are analysing the seized mobile phones and vehicles to identify the larger networks involved," the officer added, emphasising the seriousness of the investigation.
This successful operation by the SMC highlights the continued efforts of the Gujarat Police to dismantle organised illegal activities in the state, particularly those linked to gambling and associated criminal elements.
