Pune: In a major crackdown, police raided an illegal gambling den operating at the Gandharva Lodge in Shivajinagar, Pune, and apprehended six individuals, including prominent businessmen. The raid also led to the seizure of foreign currency, including pounds and dollars, along with other items valued at ₹6,37,290.

The operation was carried out following a tip-off received by police constable Sachin Chandrakant Jadhav. Acting on this information, Senior Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant directed a team comprising Sub-Inspector Ajit Bade and constables Chavan, Mohite, Pawar, Dadas, Sangve, and Tayde to conduct a raid on the first floor of the lodge.

Upon raiding the designated room, police found six individuals playing a card game known as “Teen Patti,” using money as stakes. The accused include Gaurav Sampat Rathod (29, resident of Gangadham Market Yard), Harish Phutarmal Solanki (54, resident of Kornak Plus, Sopan Baug), Ritesh Jayantilal Oswal (34, resident of Rajlaxmi Society, Market Yard), and Parag Anandrao Mutha (41, resident of Gagan Vihar, Market Yard).

During the search, police discovered plastic coins of different colors, each assigned a monetary value: ₹20 for green, ₹100 for red, and ₹1,000 for black. Mobile phones, gambling materials, and foreign currency were seized during the raid.

In addition to apprehending the gamblers, charges have been filed against hotel owner Shetty and manager Sachin Meshram for facilitating gambling by providing a room for such activities. Sub-Inspector Ajit Bade is leading the further investigation into the case.