Betting gets tougher with new cop in town

Betting in World Cup just got trickier as Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik takes direct charge of Social Service Branch, which monitors activities of bookies, prostitutes

Betting gets tougher with new cop in town

Betting in World Cup just got trickier as Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik takes direct charge of Social Service Branch, which monitors activities of bookies, prostitutes

The new police commissioner is clearly in charge now, as betting and prostitution syndicates thriving in the city may soon find out.u00a0

Cracking the whip: Commissioner of police Arup Patnaik. File pic

After a major reshuffle in the top echelons of the state police force on March 1, Mumbai's new police chief Arup Patnaik will now have direct control of the Social Service Branch (SSB), which keeps a check on flesh trade, bookies, video piracy and other illegal activities.

It may be seen as a wake up call to overenthusiastic bookies indulging in illegal betting during the ongoing World Cup matches, sources said, adding that prostitution syndicates may also find it tough to stay in the trade. Earlier the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) headed the SSB.

He would report to the joint commissioner in charge of crime, who in turn, would report to the commissioner.
Now, the DCP (enforcement) has been made directly accountable to the commissioner, to enforce direct supervision.

Additionally, Crime Branch II, until now part of the Special Task Force, has been brought under the DCP (enforcement). The structural changes come after a police notice dated March 8, with a view to plug the communication gap between various police officers.

"The commissioner of police does not have to take charge of anything in the commissionerate as every officer working in the Mumbai Police is delegated responsibility by his office. Whatever changes have occurred are only for technical and operational reasons," Patnaik said. Patnaik has already asked the force to be tough with criminals, not let any one off easily, and to share any sensitive information with the cops.

City Raider
This could mean the Commissioner will directly supervise raids on bars, betting syndicates and other gambling activities. He will also keep direct tabs on the oil mafia, bringing nefarious activities like smuggling of diesel and kerosene, milk adulteration, rationing and infringement of trademarks and so forth, officials said.