Gambler suicide triggers raids on clubs

HYDERABAD: The suicide by a gambler at a club on Tuesday has triggered police raids on clubs across the state.Hundreds of gamblers and club organisers have been apprehendedPolice said the raids were extensive and covered almost all the districts and commissionerates. A good amount of money was seized.“The raids were conducted following the suicide of a man at Country Club in Hyderabad,' said additional director general of police (law & order) S A HudaSenior police officials decided to crack the whip on clubs as there were allegations that managements were running gambling activities in violation of licening norms.Though the clubs are supposed to allow only the card game rummy, several joints allow gamblers to play poker with high stakes.Club managements are also serving liquor to customers violating the norms, sources said.``The raids are going on all over the state,' Huda said. Inspectors-general of all police ranges, superintendents of police and commissioners have been asked to conduct the raids.In the city, Task Force sleuths have been given the task. Last night, raids were conducted at several clubs hotels.Though the city police tried to rein in gambling clubs, managements managed to get a stay order from court and resumed business.