A shocking incident unfolded on Sunday evening in Koramangala, Bengaluru, when members of the pro-Kannada organization, Namma Karnataka Sene, stormed into Golden Aces, a local poker club in Cauvery Colony. The activists accused the club of being involved in illegal gambling and online betting, which they claimed was negatively impacting the youth in the area. The protest turned violent, leading to the destruction of property within the premises.
The police swiftly responded to the situation, arresting ten members of the Namma Karnataka Sene, who were later released on station bail. This incident has sparked both public outrage and political debate, raising concerns about the ongoing issue of online gambling and its regulation in the state.
The Vandalism Incident: A Protests Escalates to Violence
The activists barged into Golden Aces, a well-known poker club, and confronted the staff with allegations of running a gambling den that encouraged the youth to indulge in illegal activities.
“We are here to stop the destruction of our youth. These places are breeding grounds for illegal gambling and online betting, and we won’t tolerate it,” one of the protesters shouted as they entered the club.
According to the police, an argument broke out between the activists and the club’s staff. In the heat of the altercation, the activists began damaging property within the club. Customers, who were caught in the middle of the chaos, fled the premises in fear for their safety. The situation escalated when the Hoysala patrolling vehicle arrived at the scene, and the protesters were detained by the police.
“The situation was under control by the time we arrived. We detained the protesters and took them to the station for further processing,” said an officer from the Koramangala Police Station.
Basavaraj Padukote: The Allegations of a Cover-Up
The owner of the poker club later filed a formal complaint with the Koramangala Police, accusing the activists of damaging his property and disrupting business operations. In a statement to the press, Basavaraj Padukote, the state president of Namma Karnataka Sene, said that the police’s response to the matter was insufficient.
“We filed a complaint with the police, but they only registered an NCR (Non-Cognizable Report), which allows the club to continue its operations and continue misleading the youth. The police must take action, register an FIR against the company, and arrest those running these illegal activities,” Padukote said.
His remarks reflect a growing frustration with the state’s handling of illegal gambling and online betting operations, which many activists and public figures argue have been allowed to thrive unchecked.
Political Repercussions: Bommai’s Call for Action
The incident soon became a political talking point, with former chief minister and Haveri MP Basavaraj S Bommai using social media to voice his concerns. Bommai, who was in power when strict measures against online betting were introduced, criticized the current state government for its alleged inaction in dealing with online betting operations.
“In Koramangala, Kannada organizations have exposed the rampant online betting racket, despite the Central government having banned it,” Bommai wrote in a tweet. “It is clear that there is a nexus between those running these operations and elements within the police and the government.”
Bommai argued that when his government was in power, it took strict action against illegal online betting, including filing non-bailable cases. He also referenced the ongoing case in the Supreme Court regarding online betting, urging the current government to take stronger measures.
“The state government has been inactive for over two and a half years, and this clearly shows their apathy toward this issue. They need to act on the pending case in the Supreme Court and strengthen our laws to protect vulnerable sections of society, particularly the youth and the poor,” Bommai emphasized.
His statements reflect a larger, ongoing debate about the effectiveness of current state laws and the government’s commitment to curbing illegal gambling activities.
A Growing Concern: The Rise of Online Gambling in Bengaluru
The issue of online betting and gambling has been a growing concern across India, and Bengaluru is no exception. Despite the central government’s ban on online betting, many argue that these operations continue to thrive, often under the guise of online games like poker or fantasy sports. Critics claim that online betting platforms are exploiting legal loopholes and continue to target vulnerable individuals, especially the youth.
The Namma Karnataka Sene has made it clear that it will continue to protest such operations, with plans for more demonstrations in the future. The group’s vocal opposition reflects a rising tide of concern among various Kannada organizations, which fear that the proliferation of online gambling is taking a toll on the state’s social fabric.
FAQs:
- Why did Namma Karnataka Sene storm Golden Aces?
- The activists accused the poker club of being involved in illegal gambling and online betting, which they believe is ruining the youth in the region.
- How did the police respond to the situation?
- The police detained ten protesters who were later released on station bail. They also registered a complaint against the activists for vandalism.
- What is the political reaction to the incident?
- Former chief minister Basavaraj S Bommai criticized the state government for not taking action against online betting operations, highlighting a possible nexus between these operations and the police.
- Has the state government done anything to address illegal online betting?
- While previous administrations, including Bommai’s government, took action against online betting, the current state government has been criticized for inaction on the matter.
- What’s the legal status of online betting in India?
- Online betting has been banned by the central government, but illegal platforms continue to operate, exploiting legal loopholes.
Sources ANI
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