DHARWAD: A huge underground betting business appears to have sprouted in Hubballi and Dharwad in the wake of announcement of MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh election dates.
Businessmen and bookies in Hubballi and Dharwad told Express that there is huge demand for betting during elections. As elections are around the corner in Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, huge amount is expected to get exchanged in the twin cities.
A businessman said bookies usually contact businessmen and their old clients during betting. “They (bookies) often call us during cricket matches. But this time, they are trying to bring more money into betting on election results,” he said. “As these state elections are considered a benchmark for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, there could be large betting in the twin cities. Some of the political workers too are involved in betting over election results. People who are involved in betting often check pre-poll surveys,” he said.
DCP (traffic and crime) B S Nemagoud said they have not come across any betting cases so far. “However, the intelligence team in the department will keep a vigil if any such developments are reported. As a precautionary measure, special teams will be formed. If anyone found involving in betting, stern action will be initiated,” he said.
He appealed to people to extend their support to the police by providing information, which will help them bring down such crimes.