Following recent incidents in the city, the Belagavi City Police have launched a special inspection drive targeting clubs, gymkhana and entertainment centres to ensure they are operating in accordance with the law.
Police inspectors attached to all police stations have been directed to prepare a list of every club and entertainment centre within their respective jurisdictions and verify whether they possess valid licences and the necessary statutory permissions.
As part of the drive, officials will also inspect premises where card games or similar activities are conducted. Club managements will be issued written guidelines based on applicable laws and Karnataka High Court directions governing such activities, and will be required to acknowledge receipt of these instructions in writing.
The key conditions include:
- Installation of CCTV cameras at entry points and gaming areas.
- Preservation of CCTV footage for at least 15 days, to be produced whenever sought by the police.
- Issuance of identity cards to all members.
- Prohibition on allowing non-members or guests to participate in games.
- Strict ban on wagering, betting, gambling or any other illegal gaming activities.
- Full cooperation with police inspections and supervision.
All police stations have been instructed to submit their inspection reports to the Commissioner of Police within 10 days. If any club or entertainment centre is found violating the law or prescribed conditions, legal action will be initiated and the licensing authority will be recommended to cancel its licence.
The Belagavi City Police clarified that the objective of the drive is not to harass lawfully operating clubs, but to curb illegal gambling, betting and other unlawful activities that could threaten public order or lead to criminal offences. The department has appealed to clubs, entertainment centres and the public to cooperate with the inspection campaign.