Report: Manmeen Walia, New Delhi
In a big success against organized crime, the Anti-Narcotics Cell of North District Police busted a gambling racket in Subzi Mandi area and arrested 24 gamblers including the kingpin.
During the raid, 23 gamblers were caught red-handed while playing cards for money. One gambler tried to escape by jumping from the first floor and injured his leg.
From the spot, police recovered:
• ₹6,61,130 cash (stake money)
• 277 playing cards
• 26 mobile phones
• 1 notebook & pen
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1 cash counting machine
A case, FIR No. 482/25 dated 28.09.2025, under Sections 3/4/9 of the Gambling Act, was registered at Police Station Subzi Mandi, and investigation was taken up.
During questioning, it was revealed that three men – Manmohan @ Babu, Manoj, and Rinku – were managers of the racket. They were working for the main accused Balwinder @ Sonu Sardar, a history-sheeter. The managers lured people into gambling by promising easy money.
Most of the gamblers worked in shops or private jobs and turned to betting due to low income and addiction to alcohol.
Further investigation showed that the main kingpin, Balwinder @ Sonu Sardar, was running the racket. He had taken the Malka Ganj flat on rent of ₹30,000 per month for gambling. He had also hired three managers to run operations.
Balwinder is a notorious criminal of Subzi Mandi area and has been previously involved in 8 cases of murder, attempt to murder, arms act, and gambling since 2009.
After multiple raids, he was finally tracked and arrested on 30 Sep, from a rented house at Mahendru Enclave, Model Town, Delhi.
Profile of Key Accused
1. Balwinder @ Sonu Sardar – Kingpin, previously involved in 8 cases of murder, arms act etc.
2. Rinku – Manager, involved in 2 cases of attempt to murder & dacoity.
3. Manoj – Manager.
4. Manmohan @ Babu – Manager, earlier caught in a gambling case.
5. Other gamblers: Bajrang, Gagan, Naim, Irfan, Prakash, Gaurav, Arvind, Hari Prasad, Vijay, Mukul, Nikhil, Irfan (Ghanta Ghar), Shatruanjay, Sanjeev, Mohd. Arif, Naveen, Harjeet, Ashu, Vinayak, and Rajesh.
Many of them also have past criminal records of gambling, NDPS, excise act, and attempt to murder.
DCP North District shri Raja Banthia, said that the North District Police is running a continuous campaign to curb illegal activities like gambling, drug peddling and bootlegging. This action is a strong step to keep the community safe from anti-social elements.
