Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra, popularly known as “Puppy,” was arrested for his alleged involvement in a sprawling illegal online betting racket. On August 23, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended him in Gangtok, Sikkim, following a multi-state operation that uncovered ₹12 crore in cash, including foreign currency worth ₹1 crore, luxury cars with uniform VIP registration numbers, and gold jewellery valued at ₹6 crore.
Raids across 31 locations, spanning several states and including casinos in Goa, revealed a complex web of illegal betting backed by money laundering and international connections. The MLA’s family has denied all allegations, calling the arrest politically motivated, while opposition voices have demanded a transparent probe into the case.
Multi-State Raids Uncover Extensive Betting Network
The ED’s coordinated raids extended across Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Sikkim, intensively targeting properties, vehicles, casinos, and bank accounts tied to Veerendra and his close associates. The operation seized multiple luxury SUVs displaying identical VIP number plates, signalling coordinated money laundering activities through high-value assets.
Among the casinos raided were Puppy’s Casino Gold and Ocean Rivers Casino in Goa, where digital evidence was collected, implicating the MLA and his brother in managing illicit betting platforms. Investigators allege the betting rackets operated online as well as through offshore entities in Dubai, with suspected links to casinos across Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Georgia.
A crucial lead reportedly involves Veerendra’s attempts to acquire another casino owned by a lottery operator currently under ED investigation, suggesting ongoing money laundering schemes.
A History of Allegations and Growing Government Scrutiny
While this is not the first time Veerendra has faced accusations related to gambling and betting, this extensive crackdown marks the most significant intervention so far. The ED is probing the source of the extensive funds used by the MLA’s family to acquire high-end vehicles and luxury items, suspecting proceeds derived from cyber fraud and illegal betting.
This probe aligns with broader government efforts to tighten regulations on online gaming and betting, including pending legislation aimed at curbing illegal wagering. The operations have sparked debate over the political protection enjoyed by figures alleged to be running betting syndicates, with opposition parties demanding a fair and impartial investigation that transcends political biases. The MLA remains in ED custody until August 28, with further inquiries underway to dismantle the syndicate.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case starkly highlights the serious dangers when unlawful money-making schemes intersect with political power. Illegal betting and money laundering. At The Logical Indian, we stand firmly for justice delivered transparently and without political influence.
The focus must not only be on swift punitive action but systemic reforms that promote transparency in political funding, stricter oversight on gambling and betting activities, and protection of fair democratic processes.
