The Sadar police on Sunday arrested 21 persons for violating the Covid-19 restrictions and gambling during the weekend shutdown in Koraput district.
Acting on inputs that about 30 to 35 persons were gambling near a forest at Padampur village, a police team conducted a raid at the spot and managed to nab 21 gamblers while the others fled.
The cops also seized cash of Rs 70,000, 13 mobile phones and 12 motorcycles from the possession of the accused. The gamblers were arrested under Sections 294, 506, 353 and 188 of IPC and Section 51 (B) of the DM Act. The arrested were produced before court on Monday. “The Koraput police have been taking stringent action against those persons who violate the Covid-19 guidelines. The efforts would continue for keeping the town safe from the virus spread,” said a police officer.