HC ex-Judge to head SIT to probe gambling nexus in Goa

The Goa government on Monday formed a SIT led by retired High Court Judge Avinash Lawande to probe an alleged nexus between the 'matka' betting lobby, police and politicians in the coastal state.

The Home Department announced the Special Investigating Team (SIT), which also includes a DSP and three other police officials, as per an order by Under Secretary (Home) Neetal Amonkar.

The SIT will file monthly report before the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court, informing it about updates in its investigation.

The illegal 'matka' gambling has gained immense popularity in Mumbai and Konkan region since the 1970s. It is conducted six days a week, virtually like a lottery, where lucky numbers are generated thrice every day.

The 'matka' gambling in Goa is pegged at several thousand crores of rupees and several legislators and Ministers in successive state governments have demanded its legalisation.

A First Information Report has been filed against Goa's Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar for his alleged links to 'matka' betting.

Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court is currently hearing a public interest litigation and overseeing a Crime Branch probe into the nexus between gambling lobby, politicians and policemen.

--IANS

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