No conviction in state for matka gambling: Parrikar

The Goa government may have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate matka gambling, but Goa police have failed to convict a single person in the state for the illegal practice, chief minister Manohar Parrikar informed the Goa State Legislative Assemblyon Friday.
“No Matka gamblers have been convicted as on date,” Parrikar said.
A PIL filed by social activist Kashinath Shetye before the Bombay High Court, had alleged that there was a nexus between the police and matka operators.
Recently, Goa Police raided a major matka gambling den in Pernem where 11 persons were arrested and Rs 60 lakh in cash was seized.
The raid was conducted by a team of district police without informing local police stations at Pernem and Siolim, fueling suspicions that there was a nexus between local police officials and the kingpins of matka gambling.
Goa Police has periodically conducted raids and nabbed individuals for their role in matka gambling, including in the capital city where matka operators are openly seen indulging in illegal activities.