Drone helps police bust gambling racket in Bhadravati forest, 19 held

Shivamogga : In a smart and tech-driven operation, police in Bhadravati taluk busted an illegal gambling racket operating deep inside a forest area near Kudligere, detaining 19 الأشخاص.

The accused had reportedly been using the dense forest cover to carry out gambling activities, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them. Police said that earlier attempts to raid the spot had failed as the suspects would flee before officers could reach the location.

To overcome this challenge, the Karnataka Police adopted a strategic approach by deploying a drone to monitor movements in the  forest. The aerial surveillance helped officials identify the exact location and track the activities of the gambling group without alerting them.

Acting on the real-time inputs gathered through the drone, personnel from the Bhadravati Rural Police Station launched a swift raid and managed to catch the accused red-handed.

A police officer involved in the operation said, “The  accused  were repeatedly using the forest to evade raids. With the help of drone surveillance, we could pinpoint their location and conduct a successful operation.”

During the raid, police seized gambling materials and cash from the spot. All 19 individuals have been taken into custody, and cases have been registered against them under relevant sections related to illegal gambling.

Officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused are part of a larger network operating in the region. Police are also verifying if similar activities are being carried out in nearby forest areas.

The successful use of drone technology has been widely appreciated, as it highlights how modern tools can enhance policing efficiency, especially in challenging terrains like forests.

Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in illegal activities and that surveillance will be intensified to prevent such incidents in the future.

The operation is being seen as a strong message to offenders attempting to misuse remote locations to carry out unlawful activities.