In a dramatic late-night operation, Superintendent of Police (South Goa) Tikam Singh Verma led a direct raid on a thriving gambling den in Xelim, near the Goa-Karnataka border — right under the watch of the Canacona Police.
Conducted between Monday and Tuesday, the crackdown resulted in the arrest of 40 individuals and the seizure of illegal assets worth Rs 16.35 lakh. The haul included Rs 5.2 lakh in cash, playing cards, a computer, 40 mobile phones and a vehicle.
The operation has triggered a wave of outrage and raised serious concerns about the possible complicity of local law enforcement. According to sources, the den was operating with tacit support from within the police force — a disturbing revelation, especially after claims from the local MLA that gambling had been ‘completely eradicated’ from the constituency.
Speaking to reporters at the Goa Assembly, Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar asserted that 90% of gambling had already been wiped out in the region. “If any such activities are still ongoing, they will be stopped completely and strict action will follow,” he said.
Despite these assurances, the raid has exposed a significant failure in local policing. Sources suggest the Canacona Police were already aware of the illegal operation but chose not to act. SP Verma’s direct involvement has now put the local police, particularly the in-charge officers, under intense scrutiny.
The gambling den was reportedly managed by a man named Ligorio, who was caretaking a bungalow owned by his sister Thelma — currently said to be abroad. Police have stated that Ligorio will be served a notice and summoned for questioning. The investigation is being led by Police Sub-Inspector Ajit Velip.
Of the 40 people arrested under the Goa Gambling Act, seven have been specifically booked for organising the illegal operation. Authorities believe the gambling activities had been ongoing for a considerable time at the site.
Residents of Canacona were quick to point out that only one of the arrested individuals hails from Goa.
They say the remaining 39 are from Karwar, Karnataka. This raises growing concerns about external infiltration and the use of Goan territory for illegal operations. More alarmingly, it suggests a deeper, systemic failure — or even collusion — within the local police structure.
The incident has not only exposed a major criminal network but also laid bare the urgent need for greater accountability in the region’s policing apparatus.
They say the remaining 39 are from Karwar, Karnataka. This raises growing concerns about external infiltration and the use of Goan territory for illegal operations. More alarmingly, it suggests a deeper, systemic failure — or even collusion — within the local police structure.
The incident has not only exposed a major criminal network but also laid bare the urgent need for greater accountability in the region’s policing apparatus.