Goa, July 23 -- In a dramatic late-night operation, Superintendent of Police (South Goa) Tikam Singh Verma led a direct raid on a thriving gambling den in Xelim, near the Goa-Karnataka border - right under the watch of the Canacona Police.

Conducted between Monday and Tuesday, the crackdown resulted in the arrest of 40 individuals and the seizure of illegal assets worth Rs 16.35 lakh. The haul included Rs 5.2 lakh in cash, playing cards, a computer, 40 mobile phones and a vehicle.

The operation has triggered a wave of outrage and raised serious concerns about the possible complicity of local law enforcement. According to sources, the den was operating with tacit support from within the police force - a disturbing revelation, especially ...