Akola — In a landmark enforcement action, Akola police have become the first in Maharashtra to detain a gambling operator under the newly amended Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, 2025, signaling a tough new approach to combating illegal gambling rackets.
Noor Niyamat Khan, a 50-year-old resident of Khwaja Nagar, was detained under the revised law for persistently operating illegal gambling activities despite previous preventive actions by authorities. The case marks a significant milestone in the state's crackdown on organized gambling operations.
Historic Use of Amended Law
The MPDA Act amendment, which came into effect on June 9, 2025, specifically includes individuals involved in organizing illegal gambling as detainable offenders. This legislative change has empowered law enforcement agencies to take stronger action against habitual gambling operators who continue their activities despite warnings and arrests.
District Collector Varsha Meena issued the detention order on October 2, following a detailed proposal submitted by Superintendent of Police (SP) Archit Chandak. The order was issued after thorough verification of legal formalities and examination of evidence against Khan.
Khan has been sent to Akola District Jail to serve a one-year detention term under the provisions of the amended act.
Strict Action Against Habitual Offenders
SP Chandak emphasized that the police department would continue to take strict measures against habitual offenders and those involved in illegal activities that disrupt public order and social harmony.
"This detention sends a clear message that we will use all available legal provisions to curb illegal gambling and protect society from such activities. Repeat offenders will face stringent action," SP Chandak stated.
The operation was carried out through the collaborative effort of multiple police units, including Additional SP B Chandrakant Khedi, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sudarshan Patil, and several officers from the Local Crime Branch and Old City police station.
Precedent for State-Wide Action
The successful implementation of the amended MPDA Act in Akola is expected to set a precedent for other districts across Maharashtra. Police officials believe the enhanced legal framework will serve as a more effective deterrent against organized gambling operations that have long plagued various parts of the state.
Legal experts note that the detention provision allows authorities to preventively detain individuals for up to one year if their activities are deemed prejudicial to public order, a significant upgrade from earlier enforcement mechanisms that relied primarily on repeated arrests and fines.
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