Ahmedabad gambling raid: 187 accused as SMC busts Manpasand Gymkhana
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) raided Manpasand Gymkhana in Ahmedabad's Dariyapur area on 3 August, naming 187 people as accused in connection with an alleged organised gambling racket, according to a police brief issued on Monday. Authorities seized approximately ₹3.30 lakh in cash, 176 mobile phones, and 29 vehicles during the operation.
What the Raid Uncovered
The SMC, a specialised statewide enforcement wing of the Gujarat Police, conducted the operation independently of local police units on the basis of intelligence inputs. The seizures — cash, electronic devices, and vehicles — follow a pattern seen in previous crackdowns at the same premises. Police have not yet disclosed the breakdown of the accused or the precise nature of the alleged gambling activities.
A Repeat Offender Premises
This is not the first time Manpasand Gymkhana has come under law-enforcement scrutiny. The venue has previously been targeted by both the SMC and the Ahmedabad Crime Branch over alleged gambling, leading to multiple arrests in earlier cases. Authorities have also taken action against unauthorised structural portions of the property following past investigations. According to reports, the gymkhana has remained under sustained police watch due to repeated allegations that it was being used to run organised gambling operations.
About the State Monitoring Cell
The State Monitoring Cell is a dedicated wing of the Gujarat Police mandated to conduct statewide operations against offences including illegal gambling, bootlegging, and other organised criminal activities. It operates on intelligence-based inputs and frequently acts independently of district or local police units, allowing for coordinated crackdowns across jurisdictions.
Investigation Ongoing
No further details regarding the identities of those named as accused or the specific charges have been released as yet. In some previous raids at the same venue, investigations were subsequently transferred to specialised police units. Police have not confirmed whether additional arrests are expected. The investigation is currently underway, and further disclosures are anticipated as the case progresses.