Police to act tough against gamblers

Kathmandu, October 18

Police have decided to act tough against gamblers during Tihar, the second biggest festival of Hindu Nepalis.

Police have devised a special security plan in view of the upcoming festival. Police said crackdown on gambling to maintain law and order in society was among the top priorities in their security plan for the festival.

Nepal Police Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General Bishwa Raj Pokharel urged the general public to help the police by informing them about gambling activities in their locality.

He warned that the police would take tough action against any sorts of hooliganism, gambling or indecent activities during the festival.

According to police, gambling and crimes were interlinked as gamblers were more likely to commit crimes to satiate their addiction to gambling. Crimes were also likely to occur at gambling venues over betting. Retired government employees, businesspersons and contractors topped the chart of gamblers, according to police.

DIG Pokharel said criminal activities were minimised significantly this year during Dashain festival due  to special security plan put in place, and similar plan had been devised to maintain law and order during Tihar too. He said that the security personnel had been directed to remain on high alert throughout the festival period.