Protesters detained in Mumbai during demonstration against online gaming and gambling

Several supporters of independent MLA Bachchu Kadu were detained on Wednesday following a protest near Mantralaya in South Mumbai. The demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to online gaming and gambling, an official reported.

As reported by The Print, Bachchu Kadu, who leads the Prahar Janshakti Paksh and represents the Achalpur assembly seat in Maharashtra’s Amravati district, led the protest. Kadu, along with his supporters, assembled near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the state secretariat building early in the morning.

The protesters held placards and banners, calling for a ban on online gaming and gambling through mobile applications. Their agitation raised concerns over the negative impacts of these activities, which have become popular.

As the protest continued, police intervened, requesting the group to relocate their demonstration to Azad Maidan near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Despite the request, several participants were detained by the authorities.

Subsequently, MLA Bachchu Kadu proceeded to Vidhan Bhavan as the monsoon session was underway, according to the official. Meanwhile, his supporters continued their protest, prompting further action from law enforcement. They were subsequently detained and taken to the Marine Drive police station, the official added.

The protest highlights the ongoing debate around online gaming and gambling in India, with some factions advocating for stricter regulations to curb potential societal harms.