A high-profile gambling network busted at Hotel Melrose Inn was allegedly using high-tech electronic devices to facilitate cheating during the games. Police said GSM transmitters and Bluetooth-based gadgets were recovered from the gamblers. The devices are suspected to have been used to manipulate the game and remotely control certain activities. Their presence surprised investigators.
According to the investigation, the gambling operation involved not only conventional card games but also electronic equipment. Police said GSM transmitters can be used to activate or control another device placed at a distance. This could allow people who were not physically present at the venue to monitor or influence activities linked to the game. Investigators are now examining the recovered devices to determine their exact functionality and role in the gambling network.
Bluetooth gadgets were also allegedly being used to exchange confidential instructions or codes among players. Police suspect that the devices were being used to influence the outcome of games and facilitate cheating against other participants. However, the exact manner in which the electronic equipment was used will be established after technical examination.
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What Did Police Recover During the Hotel Raid?
Police carried out the operation after preparing a detailed plan. A team of 22 personnel took part in the raid. Sixteen mobile phones and 19 packs of playing cards were recovered from the spot. Police also seized around ₹5.50 lakh in cash, which was allegedly being used for gambling. Two cars and 11 motorcycles were also recovered.
17 Gamblers Sent to Jail
The 17 people arrested from the gambling venue at the hotel were sent to jail on Friday. Police said the mobile phones and electronic devices recovered from the accused are being examined. Investigators are also analysing contacts found on the phones to identify other people who may be connected with the network.
The role of the hotel receptionist has also emerged during the investigation. He allegedly handled room bookings and kept track of people entering the hotel and suspicious activities. Several numbers allegedly belonging to major bookmakers were reportedly found on his mobile phone. Police are examining these contacts to establish the wider network behind the gambling operation.
People Involved in Gold and Silver Trade Among Those Arrested
Some of the arrested people were reportedly associated with the gold and silver trade. The arrests also caused concern among their families. One of the accused, a man aged around 60, had not returned home by evening, prompting his family members to search for him. They later learned that he was in police custody.
Police are now investigating how long the gambling network had been operating from the hotel and how many people were involved. Examination of the electronic devices and mobile phones is expected to provide information about the network’s operating method, communication channels and possible links to other suspects.
Investigators are also examining whether the technology used in the gambling operation was sourced locally or supplied through an organised network. The findings from the technical examination and digital evidence will determine the next course of the investigation.
