The recent arrest of a high-profile restaurant owner, Jay Shah, for conducting a betting ring in his office premises, has sent shock waves across the city. Top social circles are distancing themselves from their friends who indulge in betting.
The police is coming down hard on those who bet on horse-racing, cricket and even political events through bookies.
The recent arrest was made a few days before Shaw was scheduled to get hitched.
Friends of Jay Shah revealed to DC that “he casts bets for fun and there’s no major evidence about massive amounts of money transactions.” They add, “His family is worried about his impending marriage and he is a really a young person whose life will take a turn for the worse.”
Advocate Sudha Ramalingam says “Gambling and betting are addictive and also have a deep-rooted impact on families, both financially and emotionally.” She stresses that betting is a crime, and says “I am glad the police are leaving no stone unturned.” She feels “an atmosphere without real positive engagement of mind and body attracts such easy money-spinning activities”, and goes on to add “I would say that more awareness against betting and better facilities to engage youngsters in positive, rewarding work have to be created.”
Police sources confirm that Jay Shah had an office on Hunters Road in Choolai from where he had conducted betting. When police were tipped off about this, they went to his office to nab him.
Counsellor Vasanthi Babu says “Betting is harmful to society and gambling must be curbed. It lures young people to try and make quick money and it becomes addictive. Those addicted tend to lie, and this leads to a lot of crimes too.”
Despite those who indulge in the practice using highly-placed contacts and referrals, sources confirm that the government and police are committed to eliminating betting from society and are showing zero tolerance to such crimes.
