In a decisive action against illegal gambling activities in the national capital, the Delhi Police have busted a Chidiya-Kabootar satta racket operating in the Anand Parbat area of Central Delhi. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a team from Police Station Anand Parbat conducted a raid that led to the arrest of one accused and the seizure of cash and betting-related materials.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The operation marks another step in the ongoing drive by Delhi Police to curb illegal betting networks that continue to operate discreetly in various parts of the city.
Raid Based on Secret Information
According to police officials, the team at PS Anand Parbat received credible information about an individual allegedly running an illegal betting operation from a location in the Transit Camp area. Taking the input seriously, officers verified the tip-off and swiftly formed a raiding party.
The team conducted a surprise raid at the identified premises and apprehended a 33-year-old man who was allegedly accepting bets linked to the Chidiya-Kabootar satta game. The accused was reportedly caught red-handed while operating the betting activity.
During the search, police recovered ₹17,580 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of the gambling operation. In addition, officers seized betting slips, a satta diary, a pen used for recording wagers, and a printed Chidiya-Kabootar betting chart that detailed number combinations and corresponding symbols.
All recovered items were taken into custody as case property.
What Is ‘Chidiya-Kabootar’ Satta?
Chidiya-Kabootar is a locally popular form of illegal betting where participants place wagers based on symbolic representations—often birds such as sparrows (chidiya) and pigeons (kabootar)—each associated with specific numbers or outcomes. Bettors choose a symbol and stake an amount of money, hoping that their chosen symbol will correspond to the winning outcome.
The game is typically run informally, often from residential areas or small commercial premises, and relies on handwritten slips or charts. The simplicity of the format and the low entry amounts make it accessible to many participants, especially those looking to make quick money.
However, despite its seemingly harmless appearance, such betting is prohibited under the Public Gambling Act and other relevant laws. Organising, facilitating, or participating in such activities can invite legal consequences.
Case Registered Under Gambling Laws
Following the arrest, the police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Gambling Act at PS Anand Parbat. The accused was taken into custody for further questioning.
Police sources indicated that investigators are now examining whether the arrested individual was operating independently or was part of a larger network. Illegal betting rackets often function as interconnected systems, with local bookies collecting wagers and passing them on to higher-level operators.
Authorities are also scrutinising call records and financial links to determine whether the accused had associates or links to other illegal operations in Central Delhi.
Crackdown on Organised Illegal Gambling
Illegal gambling remains a recurring law enforcement challenge in Delhi and several other metropolitan cities. Though many such operations are small-scale, they often operate with surprising efficiency and attract steady participation.
Police officials stated that sustained vigilance and timely action are key to dismantling these rackets. “Illegal betting not only violates the law but also creates financial distress for families who lose hard-earned money,” a police source said. “We are committed to identifying and taking action against such activities.”
Over the past few years, Delhi Police have conducted multiple raids against similar satta operations, including other variants of symbolic betting games. These crackdowns are often based on community tip-offs and local intelligence gathering.
Social and Economic Concerns
Authorities have long warned about the broader social impact of illegal betting. While some may view satta as a minor vice, its consequences can be far-reaching. Individuals who become habitual participants may suffer financial losses that affect household stability. In some cases, debts arising from gambling can push individuals toward borrowing from informal or exploitative sources.
Moreover, illegal gambling networks sometimes overlap with other forms of unlawful activity. Because the business deals entirely in unaccounted cash transactions, it can become vulnerable to misuse for money laundering or other illicit purposes.
Police officials reiterated that community awareness plays an essential role in curbing such practices. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to local authorities so that timely action can be taken.
Community Cooperation Leads to Action
The Anand Parbat bust highlights the importance of collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies. Police indicated that the information leading to the raid stemmed from local intelligence inputs, demonstrating that vigilance at the community level can significantly assist in maintaining law and order.
Officers stressed that all information shared by informants is handled confidentially, ensuring the safety of those who come forward with credible details.
Continued Monitoring and Enforcement
With the arrest made and the betting materials seized, the police have signalled that their efforts will not stop here. Authorities plan to continue monitoring the area for any resurgence of illegal gambling activity.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the accused has prior involvement in similar offences. If further links are uncovered, additional arrests could follow.
Law enforcement officials have reiterated that any organised gambling activity conducted without legal sanction will be dealt with strictly. “Our aim is to ensure that such illegal rackets do not take root in residential areas,” an official stated.
A Clear Message from Law Enforcement
The bust of the Chidiya-Kabootar satta den in Anand Parbat sends a strong message that illegal betting operations, regardless of their scale, will face strict action. By seizing cash, betting charts, and related materials, police have disrupted at least one node of the illicit gambling network operating in Central Delhi.
As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on identifying additional operators and dismantling similar rackets across the city. The crackdown underscores the commitment of Delhi Police to uphold the law and safeguard communities from the economic and social harms associated with illegal gambling.