'Making SP part of matka SIT will hamper other probes'
Activist Kashinath Shetye, who is petitioner in the case, had suggested Choudhary's name.
Filed by under secretary (home) Neetal Amonkar, the affidavit stated that Choudhary, besides handling various issues, including illegal gambling and matka in the North Goa district, is also required to handle various other investigations, which are more important and sensitive in nature, and that posting her or giving her additional charge will cause these investigations to suffer.
Besides, the present SIT is being monitored by the two seniormost officers in the police department, the DGP and IGP, who are also from the IPS cadre, the affidavit stated.
"Posting of officers depends on administrative exigencies and availability of manpower," Amonkar said.
The government also told the court that it is concerned about the matka menace and that it has sought assistance from police of other states in order to trace the origin of the activities. The government also said that it was looking into the use of internet in the illegal business.
Stating that strict instructions have been issued to the SIT and police to curb matka activities by intensifying raids, Amonkar said that the North Goa SP has been directed to intensify raids in her district.
Police have made over 83 raids on matka dens during past two-three years, but except for the June 29 raid, cash seized in those raids has been minimal.
An official said the Morjim raid indicated that, if police want, they can contain matka, which has percolated to every nook and corner of the state. "What they need is a little planning and will to fiercely crackdown on big operators and control matka before it's too late," he said.
If the government doesn't want to stop matka gambling, it has the option to legalise it, he said, adding that this would help fill state coffers and stop people from garnering wealth illegally.
Recently, urban development minister Francis D'Souza told TOI that the government should legalise matka and that it need not wait for a central legislation to do so.
The premise of D'Souza statement was that since the illegality could not be controlled, it would be better if the government legalised it. At least, then it will able to have some control besides earning revenue, he said.
A senior official said many would welcome the move to legalise matka, but added that political will was lacking despite the illegal gambling taking on major proportions in the state.
"A few years ago, this illegal activity was conducted in hidden places, but today we see it happening openly. The young and vulnerable are exposed to the lure of gambling," the senior official said.
"Some schoolchildren play matka using their pocket money. Later they get hooked to it," he said. If legalised, the official said, the government will able to bar children from placing bets.
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