Increase in armed robberies in Mandalay as a consequence of the growing number of gambling dens
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Phyo/Thant Zin (NP News) - Dec 31
Residents of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-populous city, have reported to the NP News an increase in knife fights and robberies, which they attribute to the growing number of gambling circles.
Since the start of 2024, Mandalay has witnessed at least eight incidents of knife fights, robberies, and armed assaults, including attacks on gold shops, goldsmith businesses, and the residences of gold shop owners. December alone saw three such incidents occur on separate days.
The armed robberies are most closely related to the increasing number of gambling dens, according to a local man.
A local resident remarked, "Knife fights in Mandalay are occurring because gambling circles have been operating openly in the wards. In some areas, there may be one or even two gambling activities. We frequent various locations, so we are aware of where these activities are taking place. Even with arrests, there are always individuals who provide warnings in advance. This situation raises significant concerns regarding the rule of law and law enforcement."
It is reported that most of these gambling circles are found in Maha Aungmye Township and Chanmya Thazi Township.
It has been observed that people of all ages are participating in these gambling circles, and the increasing population has contributed to the proliferation of gambling activities in Mandalay, leading to a more severe and prolonged impact, according to the aforementioned local resident.
He continued, "In the Maha Aungmye area, I've seen small gambling circles being set up. It's the same in Chanmya Thazi. Every township and neighborhood seems to have them. From what I know, these gambling circles are commonly referred to as ‘Pon Wine.’ In these circles, we can find both young people and women. I've even seen women taking loans to participate in these activities. When they lose, they end up pawning their belongings."
Additionally, cases of robberies involving mini trucks and motorcycles frequently occur in Mandalay. Another local man told The Statesman journal that the perpetrators often commit these crimes to fund not only gambling but also their drug use.
"There are many places in Mandalay where drugs are openly sold. Some drugs can even be found in places like KTVs, bars, and clubs, making it quite easy to purchase them. Occasionally, young people cause trouble for taxi drivers in front of these bars and clubs. There are many issues like this. In areas
where people are sparse, such as during the day, no one dares to go. Even when a motorcycle arrives nearby, people become scared and fear," he said.
A retired police chief suggested that the relevant security forces in Mandalay need to take effective and immediate action to address the frequent knife fight robberies occurring in the city.
He suggested, "To address these issues, a more aggressive approach is needed. It's important to monitor gambling circles and track individuals with notorious reputations. Additionally, the police force needs more manpower and supporting equipment. In cases of knife robberies, if the suspects flee on motorcycles, the police should be able to follow them on motorcycles as well. The perpetrators are escaping on bikes, but the police cannot chase them unless they have the same vehicle. It requires both the ability and the will to act."
Mandalay has witnessed a series of high-profile knife robberies, including attacks on the 'Lin Let Wah' gold shop in Aungmye Thazan Township on March 29th, the 'Se Than' gold shop in Man Myo Market, Maha Aungmye Township on May 31st, the residence of the 'Chaung Chaung' gold shop owner in Chanmya Thazi Township on September 10th, the 'Shwe Sin Academy' gold shop in Maha Aungmye Township on December 18th, the 'Sin Phyu Taw' money transfer shop in Maha Aungmye Township on December 24th, and the 'Nagar Nan Taw' gold shop in Chan Aye Thar San Township on December 26th.
Regarding the negative consequences of gambling, on December 17th, a case where a doctor kidnapped and murdered his friend who is also a doctor for 3000,000 Kyats and dumped the body occurred in Mandalay, and this incident was widely circulated on social media.