HYDERABAD: Organisers of a Ganesh puja at Basheerbagh took celebrations to another level by organising large-scale gambling at the pandal on Saturday night. Seven businessmen were arrested by police while a hunt is on to nab others. The stakes crossed several lakhs of rupees and police interestingly got wind of the activity from a person who lost huge money in gambling.The organisers had covered the premises from four sides and the atmosphere resembled that like a recreation club.”It looked like a casino rather than a pandal and several businessmen were present,” a senior police officer said. A late night swoop by police which was initially obstructed by local woman and youth, led to the arrest of eight gamblers.According to police, members of the Palace Colony in Basheerbagh took police permission to install a Ganesh idol and organise cooking. Inside the ‘casino’, air-conditioners were also provided, according to police. “Nearly 20 tables and 120 chairs were provided for playing card games like ‘three cards and ‘Lucky 7’,” police said.Around 12.30 a.m, a person who reportedly lost more than `1 lakh tipped the police. “The caller told us he had lost more than a lakh in gambling and that huge stakes were being betted for at the pandal,’’ the officer said. Three special teams were formed and a raid was conducted. By the time police forced their way, the gamblers had managed to flee from the place.Police later arrested seven persons, who include gold, cloth and grain merchants from Basheerbagh area.
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