Chandigarh, Sep 28 (IANS) Nine people including three women, all from prominent families, were arrested here on charges of gambling, police said Monday.
The nine men and women were carrying over Rs.900,000 when they were arrested late Sunday from a house in Sector 19, the police claimed.

“On a tip-off that some people from affluent families of the city are gathering in a house and are indulging in this activity, we laid a trap and nabbed them red-handed,” Superintendent of Police (Crime) Madhur Verma told IANS.

Among those arrested were businessmen, contractors and the wife of a retired military officer.

“When we raided the house there were eight-nine people sitting around a table. Bundles of notes were placed in front of them. While we were collecting the money and cards from the table, one of the accused tried to escape but he was immediately caught,” another police officer said.

Gambling is common during the festival season of Dussehra-Diwali.

“For the last few days we are getting many complaints of gambling at various places. Especially after the arrests, Chandigarh Police will increase its vigil manifold to curb this malpractice,” the officer said.