Indian Poker Association protests police raid; Rummy commercial’s strange powers

A group representing India’s poker players has filed a petition against the Gujarat state government for allegedly siccing cops on its card games.

On Tuesday, the Indian Poker Association (IPA) filed papers with the Gujarat High Court accusing the state government of authorizing law enforcement agencies to break up an IPA-hosted poker game at a local YCMA club in the state’s largest city Ahmedabad.

The IPA launched a seven-table poker space at the YMCA on October 5 and, in keeping with local tradition, alerted the authorities in advance of their plans. Assuming no money is being wagered, the organizers need not apply for a ‘no objection certificate’ (NOC) from the authorities.

Yet IPA leader KN Suresh claimed the police summoned him to their HQ and ordered him not to proceed with his poker plans, threatening “dire consequences” if he failed to heed their warnings. When he refused to observe these warnings, the police raided the YMCA and prevented any shuffling up and/or dealing.