A woman constable's husband among those named; City Kotwali says action will follow video verification

A video that has surfaced from the heart of Rewa city is posing uncomfortable questions for local police. The clip, now circulating widely, shows what residents describe as a long-running illegal gambling operation in a colony behind Fomens School near Gudha Chowraha, within the City Kotwali police station limits. Dozens of people are clearly visible in the footage, openly placing bets — in what locals say has been going on for years without any police intervention.

Gambling Den in Plain Sight

According to people familiar with the locality, the gambling den has been active for a considerable period. Gamblers reportedly arrive daily from different parts of the city and beyond, with stakes running into lakhs of rupees. That such a large-scale illegal operation could function unhindered in a densely populated urban area has left many residents baffled and angry.

The site falls squarely within the jurisdiction of City Kotwali, one of Rewa's main police stations. The absence of any previous raid or crackdown — despite the activity being common knowledge in the neighbourhood — is what has fuelled public frustration.

A Constable's Husband Named

The controversy deepened when names began circulating locally in connection with the gambling ring's operation. Shivcaharan and Ikhlak are said to be among those actively running the racket. More significantly, a woman police constable's husband has also been named as allegedly involved — an allegation that, if borne out, would point to direct complicity within the police force itself. These are claims doing the rounds at the local level and are yet to be officially confirmed or denied.

The involvement of a serving police personnel's family member has added a sharper edge to public anger. Many in the area are asking how such a high-visibility operation survived for so long without any administrative action.

Police Respond, Promise Action

City Kotwali police have acknowledged the video. Officials said the footage has come to their attention and that an inquiry has been initiated. According to local authorities, once the gambling is verified through the investigation, those visible in the video will be identified and legal action taken against them under the relevant provisions of the Gambling Act.

The statement, however, has done little to satisfy residents, many of whom feel the police response should have come on its own without the pressure of a viral video.

Credibility on the Line

Cases like this tend to resonate beyond the immediate locality. When illegal activity thrives openly in a busy urban neighbourhood for an extended period, it raises questions that go beyond a single gambling den. The focus inevitably shifts to whether there is a systematic failure — or worse, deliberate protection — allowing such operations to continue.

For Rewa police, the coming days will be telling. If the inquiry leads to real arrests and accountability — including scrutiny of the named individuals — it may partially restore confidence. If not, the video is likely to become a reference point in a wider conversation about policing standards in the city.

As of now, the case remains under investigation. The City Kotwali is yet to make any arrests.

An alleged Indore police custody death has sparked serious concerns after a Young Man, identified as Shriram Jha, died following suspected custodial harassment at the Bhagirathpura police outpost. Senior officials have removed outpost in-charge Sanjay Dhurve and constable Yogendra Korav, while ordering a departmental inquiry into the incident.

Incident Details

Shriram Jha was reportedly brought to the Bhagirathpura outpost in connection with a vehicle theft case. According to officials, he consumed acid while in custody and later died during treatment.

However, his family has contested the police version. They allege that Jha was subjected to physical assault over two days, which drove him to take the extreme step.

Family Allegations

Jha’s mother claimed that plainclothes policemen brought him home a day before the incident. During that visit, he allegedly told the family that he had been beaten severely and that his thumb had been injured.

“He said they had broken his thumb and assaulted him repeatedly,” a family member stated, as per reports. The family believes sustained harassment pushed him towards suicide.

Police Response

Police officials have denied allegations of custodial torture. According to preliminary statements, Jha’s condition deteriorated after he consumed acid, and there was no physical assault.

Authorities have maintained that further clarity will emerge after the post-mortem report. “We are awaiting medical findings before drawing conclusions,” a senior officer said, reflecting a cautious stance amid growing scrutiny.

Prior Complaints

Sources indicated that there had been prior domestic disputes involving Jha. On April 15, his wife had reportedly filed a complaint at the Banganga police station, following which a non-cognisable report (NCR) was registered.

Investigators are now examining whether earlier incidents had any bearing on the current case, as part of a broader India News Update.

Internal Action Taken

In immediate response to the incident, senior officers removed both Sanjay Dhurve and Yogendra Korav from their posts. Departmental inquiry proceedings have been initiated.

Background checks reveal that Dhurve had faced action in previous postings over alleged procedural lapses, including a controversial betting-related case. Meanwhile, Korav was reportedly the officer who initially detained Jha.

Compensation Claims

Police sources suggested that discussions were held with the family regarding support measures, including financial assistance, a job for the deceased’s wife, and educational support for the child.

However, there has been no official confirmation of any such settlement. The development has added another dimension to the case, drawing attention across English News Portal India platforms.

What Happens Next

The post-mortem report is expected to play a crucial role in determining the cause of death and verifying claims of assault. Based on findings, authorities may escalate the probe or initiate criminal proceedings if evidence supports the allegations.

Durg Traffic Police Challan 24 Cops for Riding Without Helmets

ITMS surveillance cameras catch law enforcers flouting the very rules they are tasked to uphold; stern warning issued to all personnel

No One Above the Law

In a rare but significant show of institutional accountability, Durg traffic police have issued challans against 24 of their own colleagues for riding motorcycles without helmets. The action was taken under the Motor Vehicles Act after surveillance checks revealed that a section of police personnel were openly flouting road safety norms while on duty.

The development signals a firm stance from the traffic department — that uniform or rank will not shield anyone from the consequences of breaking traffic rules.

How the Violations Came to Light

The violations came to notice during routine inspection drives conducted by the traffic police across the city. Personnel found riding two-wheelers without protective headgear were immediately identified and served challans on the spot. Authorities also issued formal warnings, directing all police staff to strictly comply with traffic regulations going forward.

According to officials, the checks were part of a broader ongoing enforcement drive aimed at curbing road safety violations across Durg district.ITMS Cameras Tighten the Net

Adding teeth to the crackdown is the city's expanded Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS). With ITMS, most challans are now generated automatically using AI cameras and sensors, removing the need for physical police presence at every violation point.

Strategically placed cameras across key intersections in Durg are capturing violations in real time and triggering e-challans directly — making it harder for offenders to escape notice, irrespective of their identity or profession.

Setting the Example

Traffic police officials stressed that road safety enforcement begins with those who enforce it. As per officials, if police personnel themselves are seen riding without helmets, it sends a contradictory message to the public and undermines the credibility of the entire enforcement machinery.

The department has now issued clear internal directives to all officers and constables to lead by example — wearing helmets at all times when riding two-wheelers and adhering to traffic regulations without exception.

The Case for Helmets

Authorities also took the opportunity to reiterate the life-saving importance of helmets to the general public. Under current traffic rules, not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle carries a fine of Rs 1,000 and can result in a three-month driving licence disqualification.

Beyond the penalty, officials emphasised that a helmet significantly reduces the risk of fatal or severe head injuries in accidents — a fact underscored by national road safety statistics year after year.

Public Advisory Issued

Alongside the internal action, Durg Police have put out a public advisory urging all two-wheeler riders to wear helmets without fail. Residents have been reminded that ITMS cameras are operational across the city and e-challans are being issued round the clock, without requiring a police officer to be physically present.

Sources in the traffic department indicated that the frequency of ITMS-based enforcement is only set to increase in the coming weeks as part of the district's sustained road safety calendar.

What Comes Next

The challan action against police personnel is likely to set a precedent for how traffic enforcement is perceived in Durg. Officials indicated that internal compliance checks will be conducted periodically to ensure the force upholds the standards it expects from civilians.

The Durg traffic police challan drive reflects a growing national trend where automated enforcement systems and AI-based surveillance are being adopted across Indian cities to reduce human error and increase transparency in challan generation. With road safety remaining a top public interest priority, Durg's zero-tolerance approach — sparing not even its own — may well become a model worth replicating.