Betting Racket: ED Probes Congress MLA Veerendra in Bengaluru

Karnataka Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra, popularly known as ‘Puppy,’ was brought to Bengaluru by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday for further questioning in a money laundering probe linked to an alleged illegal betting racket. The 50-year-old Chitradurga legislator was flown in from Gangtok, Sikkim, where he was arrested on August 23 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) while on a business trip to lease a casino.

A specialized ED team took Veerendra into custody at Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal-2, where heightened security measures ensured a smooth transfer. To avoid media attention, officials quickly moved him to an undisclosed location for interrogation aimed at uncovering his local and international connections in the betting network.

The ED’s investigation intensified after raids on August 22–23 across 31 locations in Karnataka (Chitradurga, Bengaluru, Hubballi), Goa, Sikkim, Mumbai, and Jodhpur. The agency seized Rs 12 crore in cash, including Rs 1 crore in foreign currency, gold jewellery worth Rs 6 crore, 10 kg of silver, and four luxury vehicles. Property documents linked to Veerendra’s brother, K.C. Nagaraj, and nephew, Pruthvi N. Raj, were also recovered, with 17 bank accounts and two lockers frozen.

Also Read: Karnataka MLA Nabbed in Massive Betting Scandal

Veerendra is accused of operating illegal online betting platforms, including King567, Raja567, Puppy’s003, and Rathna Gaming. His brother, K.C. Thippeswamy, is alleged to manage three Dubai-based entities—Diamond Softech, TRS Technologies, and Prime9Technologies—connected to Veerendra’s gaming and call centre operations. The ED also targeted five Goa casinos, including Puppy’s Casino Gold and Big Daddy Casino, believed to be part of his network.

The investigation revealed a complex web of financial transactions, with evidence of cash layering and international links, including operations in Dubai. Social media posts claiming Veerendra owns a fleet of luxury vehicles with “003” number plates in Chitradurga are under scrutiny for potential illicit funding. The ED also seized international casino membership cards from prestigious venues like MGM and Bellagio, alongside high-limit credit cards.

Veerendra’s legal troubles are not new. In 2016, he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation after Rs 5.7 crore in new currency and 32 kg of gold were found in his home post-demonetisation. As the ED digs deeper, this case highlights significant concerns about illegal betting and money laundering, casting a shadow over political and financial accountability in Karnataka.

Also Read: ED Raids Karnataka MLA Over Gaming Scam