Dadeldhura, August 1

The local administration has not taken any legal action against gamblers even when they were caught in the act in Baghkhor of Amargadi Municipality, Dadeldhura.

The police administration has remained a mute spectator even though there is a gambling den just 100 metres away from the police post and one kilometre away from the district administration office.

Locals complained that the administration had not acted to stop this illegal activity even when the authority concerned was informed about it time and again. Locals suspect police are protecting the gambling racket.

“Gambling will stop immediately if the police act,” said local youth club member Tek Bahadur Khadka. He added that the number of gamblers was increasing due to neglect on the part of the police.

It is said people from all strata of society — from labourers to businessmen — are involved in gambling.

Gamblers can also get loan from the den at high interest if they run out of money while indulging themselves.

DSP Prem Bahadur Shahi of District Police Office said nobody had informed his office about the gambling activity. DSP Shahi added that the office was busy managing security for the upcoming festival season.