Nepal Police Smash Illegal Gambling Ring: 21 Arrested in Kathmandu and Chitwan Raids
Nepal Police arrested 21 individuals across Kathmandu and Chitwan for illegal gambling. Authorities seized over 223,000 rupees and 22 card decks in a major crackdown on underground betting operations.
In a sweeping enforcement operation, Nepal Police have arrested 21 individuals involved in illegal gambling activities across Kathmandu and Chitwan districts. The raids, conducted by teams from the District Police Range Kathmandu and local police units, marked a significant crackdown on underground betting dens that have been operating in private residences and commercial spaces.
The first major arrest took place in Kathmandu, where police apprehended 10 people from the room of Dinesh Lama in Soaltimode. During the search, authorities recovered 223,005 rupees in cash and 22 decks of playing cards, evidence of an organized gambling operation. The scale of the seized cash and card decks suggests this was not a casual gathering but a structured illegal enterprise.
In a separate operation, 11 additional individuals were arrested while gambling in the Pulchowk area of Bharatpur, Chitwan. These arrests highlight the widespread nature of illegal gambling across multiple districts in Nepal, with police targeting both urban and semi-urban locations where such activities are thriving.
Under Nepali law, gambling and betting are strictly prohibited for citizens. The National Penal (Code) Act, 2017, explicitly bans individuals from gambling, betting, or encouraging others to participate in these activities. First-time offenders face imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to Rs. 30,000, or both. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including imprisonment of up to one year and fines reaching Rs. 50,000.
The police have also confiscated all instruments used for gambling and movable assets gained from illegal betting. While the locations where gambling occurred are not seized, the investigation continues with authorities examining the management of any facilities involved. This crackdown aligns with Nepal's broader regulatory efforts, including recent orders to shut down betting apps and websites nationwide.
These arrests underscore Nepal Police's commitment to eliminating illegal gambling operations that operate outside the legal framework. With investigations ongoing and casino management potentially brought under inquiry, the authorities are sending a clear message that illegal betting dens will not be tolerated in the country.