Shillong, Sep 7: A Guwahati-based NGO has filed a complaint alleging that an establishment styled Castle Heaven Club on the Meghalaya side of Khanapara, along the Guwahati-Shillong Highway in Ri-Bhoi, is running an illegal casino and a prostitution racket.
In a letter sent to authorities and media houses, the NGO alleged that the premises at Khanapara operate gaming tables and machines on a commercial scale through the night and have become a hub for organised prostitution.
The NGO cited public reporting on social media as part of the information it relied on. The letter alleged that the establishment is falling foul of the Meghalaya Prevention of Gambling Act 1970, the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
The NGO, which asked to have its identity concealed in order to avoid repercussions, further alleged that the establishment is serving liquor through the night without a valid licence, and is operating without proper trading and shops and establishments registrations, while also creating a public nuisance.
It has also sought an immediate joint raid by Ri-Bhoi Police under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, with a magistrate, women police personnel, the District Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and the Excise Department present.
It warned that if no effective action is taken, it will approach the Meghalaya High Court for a court-monitored investigation and inform the National Human Rights Commission.
