The district police have elaborate arrangements to see that steel city is free from gambling which is an age-old practice during Diwali here.

Significantly, intensive raids have been planned to be conducted at various places infamous for organizing gambling during the Diwali night and it has also been declared by the superintendent of police (City) Subhash Chandra Jat, those police officers will be taken to task if their involvement is established behind organizing it.

"We have decided to prevent gambling from being organized at places during Diwali. For making our drive a success, we need the help of the common men who may pass on information on my number that is 9471190203 without fear. The help expected from the people will be in addition to the special teams that we have set up to check the gambling across the city," said Jat while talking to The Telegraph Online.

The City SP said they have instructed OCs of all the police stations to give utmost importance to any tip-off given the people regarding the gambling. He made it clear that patrolling parties have also been instructed to carry out surprise raids at the places wherever they suspect the gamblers are assembled.

"If any police officer is found indulged in providing tacit support in organizing the gambling, then the officer will be taken to task," the senior police officer pointed out.

Jat said that he will monitor the policing against gambling during Diwali while monitoring the general law and order situation in the steel city. He pointed out the district police and mobile cops have also been instructed to keep an eye on the gambling.

Gambling is organized on a large scale at localities like Sonari, Kadma, Jugsalai, Sitaramdera and Sakchi on the occasion of Diwali. At Sonari and Kadma, people tend to try their luck by participating in gambling at open places, while at Sakchi, Sitaramdera and Jugsalai, it is held in closed doors. Gambling is also organized in the most clandestine way at the posh Circuit House area in Bistupur.

A police officer on the condition of anonymity revealed that gambling arrangements cannot be held without the support of the local police.

"This is the reason that the superintendent of police (city) has given a word of caution against the OCs to remain extra vigilant against gambling during the festival of light," said the cop.

A source that has links with the underworld activities in the steel city said that the gambling is organized in a professional way at such hotels which are not known for running well.

"The one who organizes the gambling pays lucrative rent for using the rooms of the hotels that are not run properly. Gambling is also held in vacant company quarters and also closed industrial units," said the source while talking to this website.

Incidentally, a Diwali reveler, Mohan Lal who does indulge in gambling during Diwali said, "It is a common practice for us. There is a belief that if anyone plays gambling during Diwali and wins it, Goddess Laxmi gets pleased and money flows the whole year."