Two held for cockfight gambling at Arvi village in Gondpipri; Rs 5.03 lakh seized

Money was being wagered on cockfights behind Arvi village in Gondpipri taluka, on the Telangana border. Acting on confidential information, Lathi police moved in immediately. Two accused were detained in the action on Tuesday (the 3rd) afternoon. Articles worth Rs 5,03,650 in all, including 7 roosters, 12 motorcycles, 4 knives and cash, were seized from the spot. The action has caused a stir in the area.

Because of its location on the Telangana border, the Lathi area of Gondpipri taluka is considered sensitive. The area suits those running illegal trades, though the police remain on alert at all times. On Tuesday, a police team raided Arvi along with a forest guard and panch witnesses. Some people were making roosters fight and betting money on them along a stream behind the village.

Police detained Praveen Suresh Darekar (35, resident of Shivaji Ward, Rajura) and Prakash Motiram Wankhede (62, resident of Virur). The riders of 10 motorcycles fled the spot. Seven roosters were found, of which 3 were dead. In the presence of the panch witnesses, police seized 12 motorcycles, 4 knives and Rs 1,250 in cash from the accused.

A case has been registered at Lathi sub-police station under crime number 67/26 and Section 12 (B) of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act. Further investigation is under way. The action was carried out under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Ayush Nopani, Additional Superintendent of Police Ishwar Katkade and Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Rajura, Sushant Kumar. Assistant Police Inspector Prashant Labhane, station in-charge of Lathi sub-police station, led it.

The team included police head constable Ashok Manjulkar, woman police head constable Saujanya Janjiralawar, police constable Chetan Jhade and forest guard Kartikswamy Kendre. Tracing the two-wheeler riders who fled is a challenge for the police.