Teynampet police detained 22 persons for allegedly engaging in illegal gambling involving huge sums of money at a private hotel in Teynampet.

The police said the case was registered at Teynampet Police Station under the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Acting on specific information that gambling was taking place at Room No. 331 of Hyatt Regency in Teynampet, a special team led by Joint Commissioner (South) Special Team Inspector conducted a raid at around 9 pm on May 29.

During the raid, police allegedly found several persons playing cards for money. The team seized cash amounting to ₹81.17 lakh, playing cards, 25 mobile phones, and a cash-counting machine from the spot.

Among those detained were persons engaged in real estate, business, agriculture, and cinema. The police identified the key accused as Sekar, 66, a make-up artist from Saidapet; Kabir, 44, a real estate businessman from Perumbakkam; Ramesh, 52, a real estate businessman from Chennai and Naganathan, 47, a real estate businessman from T. Nagar, police source said.

Meanwhile, four persons were arrested for allegedly engaging in gambling at a vacant site in Kodungaiyur. The police seized ₹25,110 in cash and playing cards from them.