BIRGUNJ: The District Administration Office in Bara has intensified its efforts to crack down on illegal gambling activities across the district.
Last Saturday, nine individuals were arrested from Janaki Tole in Jitpur-Simara Sub-metropolitan City–2. According to Chief District Officer Basanta Adhikari, the administration has launched a targeted campaign to curb gambling, particularly among individuals operating under the protection of political influence and high-ranking positions.
“We are actively targeting gambling dens,” said Adhikari. “The administration is also placing equal emphasis on curbing drug use and preventing substance abuse, including the misuse of ‘drop drugs’.”
Adhikari added that the search has intensified for prominent figures allegedly involved in gambling. Those arrested in Jitpur-Simara reportedly include central members of political parties, school principals, and management committee chairpersons.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and pursuing other suspects involved in operating gambling rings.
Bijayraj Pandit, spokesperson for the Bara District Police Office, emphasized that police operations against gambling are ongoing and consistent. “Whether or not arrests are made on a given day, it does not mean our vigilance has increased or decreased,” he said. “We are doing our duty, and we are aware of the presence of professional gamblers in the district.”
As per Section 125 of the Criminal Code, first-time offenders face up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs. 30,000. Repeat offenders face up to one year in jail or a fine of up to Rs. 50,000.
A third offense or more may result in an additional three months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 for each subsequent offense.
The law also provides for the confiscation of all movable and immovable assets acquired through gambling, as well as any equipment used in the activity. However, the house, room, venue, or vehicle where the gambling occurred is exempt from confiscation.
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