Nagpur: The Ajni Police on January 21 carried out a raid on an illegal gambling den operating in Jay Bhim Nagar area and arrested five persons who were found gambling on cards by placing cash bets.

Acting on specific information, the police raided a room located on the second floor of a house belonging to Ritesh Lonare at Galli No. 2, Jay Bhim Nagar, within Ajni police station limits. During the raid conducted in the presence of panch witnesses, the accused were caught red-handed playing a game of cards involving money.

The arrested accused have been identified as Vikas Punjabrao Bhise (50), resident of Shatabdi Nagar, Ajni; Ashish Suresh Raut (35), resident of Jay Bhim Nagar, Ajni; Subhash Vitthalrao Harde (58), resident of Shatabdi Nagar, Ajni; Shyam Baburao Lahane (57), resident of Kashibai Deul area, Kotwali; and Mohan Ashok Tong (49), resident of Kailas Nagar, Ajni. Another accused, Ritesh Avinash Lonare (37), resident of Jay Bhim Chowk, Ajni, managed to flee from the spot.

Police seized cash amounting to ₹4,360, two mobile phones, playing cards, a Honda two-wheeler (MH-49-AH-0401), and other materials, collectively valued at ₹76,460.

A case has been registered at Ajni police station under Sections 4 and 5 of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act. Further investigation is underway. The action was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Rashmita Rao and Assistant Commissioner of Police Narendra Hiware.