Gamblers from several northern Telangana districts are reportedly travelling to clubs in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, where various card games are being organised. Sources allege operators lure punters with luxury facilities, while police say Telangana’s jurisdiction limits action against the clubs
Published Date – 27 September 2026, 04:39 PM
Mancherial: Gambling is banned in Telangana. However, gamblers from the state, particularly from Kumram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Peddapalli, Jagtial and Karimnagar districts, are reportedly freely indulging in the banned activity at clubs in villages and towns bordering Maharashtra, where such activity is permitted.
On weekends and holidays, a significant number of gamblers from the five districts reportedly make a beeline for clubs in Rajura, Podsa, Sonurli, Patanbori, Gadchandur, Ranavavelli and Lakkadkoti villages in Rajura taluka of Chandrapur district, where gambling is prohibited in Telangana.
Rummy, a form of gambling, is permitted at limited clubs in Maharashtra. Officially, only registered members of the clubs are allowed to play cards. They are prohibited from betting in the form of money or any other goods. However, some persons from Telangana are reportedly operating the clubs in the name of sports, indoor games and social gatherings under the guise of being locals.
Sources said the operators lure punters from Telangana with transportation, air-conditioned rooms, food and liquor, all at hefty prices. They are organising not only rummy but also Teen Patta and Cut Patta, other forms of gambling. They are making huge profits, while gamblers often lose heavily, ruining their families.
It is learnt that the operators charge between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 for hosting gambling at a table for a period of three hours. Every club is equipped with at least 30 tables. The clubs remain open round the clock. Gamblers who visit the clubs are reportedly forced to pledge their assets and sell vehicles. They are facing financial crises due to addiction.
“The clubs are flooded with gamblers from the five districts on weekends and during holidays. A major portion of the clubs is being operated by habitual offenders from Telangana. A notorious gambler from NTPC in Godavarikhani is currently welcoming addicts from this region by enticing them with luxuries,” a source said.
Since Telangana police cannot act across state borders, the clubs are mushrooming in several villages and towns of Chandrapur district. “The operators are able to organise gambling on a large scale. The menace can be curbed only if the Maharashtra government clamps down on these clubs,” a senior police official opined.
More than 39 people from Asifabad, Mancherial, Peddapalli and Karimnagar districts were booked on charges of gambling at a club at Sonurli in Virur on September 20. Maharashtra Police conducted raids on the club and seized mobile phones, calculators, plastic coins, pens, pads and Rs 6.76 lakh in cash from the club manager and the accused persons.
In a similar modus operandi, rice meant for the public distribution system (PDS) is being procured by traders from Rajura and Sironcha talukas in Gadchiroli district. The traders also belong to Telangana. Cases are booked against those who transport the grains, but the receivers evade legal action as they operate outside the state.
