Kathmandu, Sept. 5 -- Every year, Nepal Police crack down on hundreds of illegal gambling dens which are operated mostly in private houses across the country and confiscate millions of rupees. But during the coronavirus pandemic, not many raids have been conducted as the majority of security personnel are busy enforcing restrictions. The number of arrests on illegal gambling charges has gone down as a result, say police who suspect that illegal gambling dens have thrived during these past six months of Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions.

According to the data provided by Metropolitan Police Office, Ranipokhari a total of 22 people were rounded up from illegal gambling joints in Kathmandu Valley in the last six months.

"We have not condu...