Dhangadhi, October 23:

Maoists seized gamblers with around Rs 75,000 after raiding various gambling dens.

A team of Maoists led by Dhangadhi city in-charge, Kundan, raided the gambling sites at Shangrila, Projjwal, Pokhara, Shaileshwori and the Park Inn hotel last night. The team also raided the Manera and Dhangadhi villages the same night.

The Maoists seized Rs 75,000 from the gamblers, Kundan said.

He added that the gamblers were, however, released after they agreed not to gamble in the future.

As people play cards and indulge in other forms of gambling during the Tihar festival, “we will conduct frequent raids in the areas,” Kundan said. Earlier, in a public statement, the Maoists had urged the locals not to play cards and gamble in the name of having fun during the Tihar festival.