Gambling den 'Jhendi Mundi' runs 250 metres from Chandrapur police station, lakhs change hands daily

A gambling game called 'Jhendi Mundi' is being run at Rajkala and Abhay Talkies Chowk in Chandrapur city. An inquiry found that the spot is about 200 to 250 metres from Chandrapur City police station. Money is also being accepted online.

The chowk is one of the busiest areas of the city. The market bustles on one side, while on the other the gambling game, known locally as 'Jhendi Mundi', goes on. It is said that Rs 100 fetches Rs 200. Lured by this, young men and poor people are getting trapped in it. The den did not start today; it has been running continuously for several months under the nose of the police.

Near a paan shop in the chowk, a brown cloth is hung. A passer-by would think it is meant to shield against the harsh sun, but the gambling goes on inside that very cloth. The daily turnover here is said to run into lakhs of rupees. It is no longer cash alone: online transfers are also taken along with cash in a basket. The man who runs the paan stall started the business and expanded the syndicate considerably within a few days.

Police Inspector Shyam Gavhane currently heads Chandrapur City police station. People had expected strict action from him. The question is why this game, running openly in his area, is being ignored. The Local Crime Branch (LCB) is considered to keep watch on crime across the district, and its personnel regularly pass through this area. Why it has not noticed this business is also being asked. It is said that LCB and city police staff are well aware of the roots of the business, yet no action has been taken.

Some days ago, sources said that a PSI and a policeman had directly contacted people running illegal businesses in the city to get such operations started. It is alleged that on a WhatsApp call they were told to start work, but that Rs 25,000 would have to be paid on time every month. This deepens the suspicion that some within the police have given these businesses an 'unwritten licence'. This information is based on sources.

Superintendent of Police Ayush Nopani has launched a strict campaign against illegal businesses to rid Chandrapur city of crime. According to this inquiry, some personnel under him are openly ignoring the campaign. Who is protecting these businesses and fixing the rates for 'permission' remains an open question. A claim has been made that their names have been obtained.