Medan – The backing of gambling by military and police personnel has been increasing over the years, according to a police officer.

The issue was raised following the police's failure to raid a gambling den in Rengas Pulau subdistrict, Medan, Wednesday, which was blamed on the presence of an authoritative link.

Several people, believed to be military or police members in civil attire, were reported to have hindered the attempted raid on the gambling den, which was said to take in millions of rupiah per day.

A member of the raiding police team – Brig. Swasta Sinuhaji – sustained a head injury and was treated at the hospital.

"We don't know yet who beat Swasta during the raid," police chief detective Sr. Comr. Andrianto said on Thursday. He said he had heard about people from his institution providing protection to gambling dens but said it was difficult to uncover.