In a coordinated raid by the team of Local Crime Branch (LCB), two online gambling rackets were busted in Raigad on Thursday, resulting in significant seizures of computers and cash under the Maharashtra Gambling Act.

The raids, executed by four teams comprising three officers and 15 personnel each and led by Inspector Balasaheb Khade, targeted illegal gambling operations across multiple locations including Alibag, Pen, Rasanai, Roha, and Nagothane.

In Alibag, police intercepted an online gambling setup at a shop in the Kohinur Complex. During the raid, officers seized two computers along with Rs 38,520 in cash. A case has been registered against the accused—Kunal Dattatreya Sarve (38) from Murud, Rajesh Motilal Nishad (30) from Alibag, and Shilpesh Pavale from Alibag—under Sections 4 and 5 of the Maharashtra Gambling Act.

In a separate operation within the Rasayni jurisdiction, officers discovered illegal online gambling activities at gate number three of Maatoshree Building in Mohpada, Vasambe village. Here, three computers and Rs 45,700 in cash were confiscated, and a case was filed against accused Satish Lakshman Shejule (29) and Shrikant Pangat from Rasayni. PAvale arrested from Alibag is an accused in this case as well as both the rackets were inter connected.

“Many young boys and men have gone bankrupt in these gambling activities. Not just then but their family too have been suffering. Stopping these activities is the only solution to save such lives,” Inspector Khade said.

The coordinated action was carried out under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge, with additional support from local police stations.