Police in Sarlahi, a district in Madhesh Province, arrested 26 individuals for gambling on Diwali night, seizing approximately Rs 1 million in Nepali and Indian currency, along with other gambling materials.Nine people were apprehended from Malangwa Municipality-8, while 17 others were arrested from various locations in Brahmapuri Rural Municipality. The total amount seized includes Rs 949,985 Nepali cash and Rs 31,050 Indian currency.According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Prasad Gautam, the spokesperson for the Sarlahi District Police Office, the arrests were made based on confidential information. Legal proceedings have been initiated against those apprehended.In Malangwa Municipality-8, nine individuals were arrested during a raid at the house of Bhagnarayana Chaudhary. Police seized Rs 630,160 Nepali currency, Rs 30,250 Indian currency, three decks of playing cards, and 25 mobile phones from this location. The arrested individuals include residents of Malangwa Municipality, Godaita Municipality, and Sonbarsa in India.Separately, 17 people were arrested in Brahmapuri Rural Municipality-2 during raids at Dhanesh Sah’s chicken farm and Santosh Sah’s house. From the chicken farm, police recovered Rs 115,895 Nepali currency, Rs 600 Indian currency, a Machhapuchhre Bank cheque for Rs 130,000, and three decks of playing cards. From Santosh Sah’s house, Rs 203,930 Nepali currency, Rs 200 Indian currency, six dice, and various gambling materials were seized.Under Section 125 of the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074 (2017 AD), gambling in Nepal is punishable by imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 30,000 for the first offense. Subsequent offenses carry a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to Rs 50,000 for the second offense, and an additional three months imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10,000 for each subsequent offense.The law also stipulates that all movable and immovable property used for gambling or found at the gambling site will be confiscated. However, the house, room, place, or vehicle where gambling occurred is not subject to confiscation.
Background
- Nepali law considers gambling a crime.
- Penalties for gambling were increased with the implementation of the Muluki Criminal Code in Bhadra 2075 (August/September 2018 AD).
- Police maintain vigilance against gambling, especially during festive seasons like Diwali, when the practice tends to be more prevalent.
- Nepal Police has launched special campaigns in all districts to control gambling during festivals.
What happens next
Sarlahi District Police Office spokesperson Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Prasad Gautam stated that legal proceedings have been initiated against those apprehended.
