State vs T Nageswar Rao and others — Gajapati gambling case

Updates

1. Arrest13 Oct 2026

   71 arrested for gambling in Gajapati

   Paralakhemundi police apprehended 71 individuals at a gambling den in Gajapati, seizing Rs 12.03 lakh in cash along with vehicles, mobile phones, and gambling equipment.

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   Police arrested a large group of people found at a place used for gambling.

   Who:

   The Paralakhemundi police arrested seventy-one people who are the accused in this case.

   When:

   Reported on 13 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, Odisha, Paralakhemundi Police Station.

   Why:

   They were arrested for allegedly participating in gambling activities.

   What it means:

   Police seized cash, vehicles, mobile phones, and gambling equipment to use as evidence for the case.

   The Times of India
2. News13 Oct 2026

   Odisha government officers among 71 held for gambling

   BERHAMPUR: At least 71 people including businessmen and government employees were arrested during a raid on an organised gambling den at Deviti village under Paralakhemundi police limits in Gajapati district on Sunday night. Among those arrested were Kurmanath Rath (55), a section officer at Rayagada block, Ushat Kumar Dash (51), an officer in the Agriculture department and K Appala Naidu (66), a retired police officer from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, said Paralakhemundi IIC Prashant Bhupati. Acting on credible information, a police team raided Jai Matadi Kalyan Mandap at Deviti village in the night after obtaining a search warrant. The accused were allegedly found playing cards and wagering money on tables, said Bhupati. Police seized over Rs 12.03 lakh cash, 954 playing cards, 102 betting tokens, a currency-counting machine, 60 mobile phones and nine four-wheelers from the spot. Preliminary investigation revealed that one T Nageswar Rao of Andhra Pradesh was allegedly running the gambling den with the assistance of B Prasad and seven other associates. The building owner allegedly knew of the operations and consented to the illegal activities, said the IIC.

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   Police arrested people during a raid on an alleged gambling operation.

   Who:

   Paralakhemundi police arrested seventy-one people including accused T Nageswar Rao, B Prasad, Kurmanath Rath, Ushat Kumar Dash, and K Appala Naidu.

   When:

   Sunday night.

   Where:

   Deviti village, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district, Odisha.

   Why:

   The group was allegedly found playing cards and wagering money at a building.

   What it means:

   The police seized cash, betting tokens, phones, and vehicles as part of the ongoing investigation.

   The New Indian Express