RPF nabs gamblers on EMU
RPF nabs gamblers on EMU
CHENNAI: Electric Multiple Units (EMU) are turning out to be gambling dens with a section of commuters indulging in card gambling,..

CHENNAI: Electric Multiple Units (EMU) are turning out to be gambling dens with a section of commuters indulging in card gambling, creating inconvenience for co-passengers. Ironically, this game is not played just by daily wage workers or those from the poorer sections of the society, it is  also patronised by a few employees of both the state and central governments.With complaints about gambling pouring in, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has launched a drive to  nab those indulging in it. Recently, RPF personnel nabbed two individuals for indulging in gambling on a moving Tirumalpur-Chennai Beach Fast train on Monday morning. “Following the instructions of Senior Divisional Security Commissioner S R Gandhi, we formed a team to apprehend gamblers,” said S Maharajan, Sub Inspector, RPF Mambalam. “The gamblers were arrested between Guindy and Mambalam and booked under three sections of the Railway Act -- 145 (b) (nuisance), 156 (travelling by footboard) and 667 (Smoking). They were fined `800 each,” he added. According to RPF sources, the duo was identified as Anbarasu, a medical representative and Chennai Corporation worker Saravanan from Kanchipuram. Sources also said, “Gamblers indulge in a card game called Mankatha. They bet sums ranging from `100 to `1,000, depending on their winning and losing streaks. At times, players even bet their gold rings, chains and wrist watches and end up going home with empty hands.” Sources also claim that office-goers, government employees in particular, are lured into playing the game. As the travel time to reach the city from suburban areas is more than an hour, a few choose to spend time by watching the card game being played. Noticing that an individual earns a few thousands in a short span of time, office-goers too get tempted and join them. After losing a few hundreds, they continue to gamble the following days in the hope of recovering their losses. They ultimately end up becoming regulars. Maharajan claimed that gamblers were a nuisance to commuters as such games were often played near the entrance of EMUs. He also added that they spoke filthy language and  quarrelled with fellow gamblers.

What's your reaction?

Comments

https://ugara.net/assets/images/user-avatar-s.jpg

0 comment

Write the first comment for this!