The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra in Gangtok, Sikkim, on charges of money laundering linked to a large-scale betting racket. The arrest marks a major setback for the Congress party in Karnataka.
Arrest Linked to Casino Lease Attempt
Veerendra, aged 50 and representing the Chitradurga constituency, was allegedly attempting to lease a casino in Gangtok when he was apprehended. The arrest follows months of investigation into a syndicate running online and offline betting operations worth crores.
Raids Yield Cash, Gold, Silver & Luxury Cars
ED raids across multiple states resulted in the seizure of assets worth Rs 18 crore:
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Rs 12 crore in cash, including foreign currency
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Gold jewellery worth Rs 6 crore
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Around 10 kg of silver
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Four luxury vehicles
Family Members Under Scrutiny
The investigation has widened to include Veerendra’s family. The ED seized property documents linked to his brother K C Nagaraj and son Prithviraj. Another brother, K C Tippuswami, is suspected of running parts of the betting network from Dubai, adding an international dimension to the case.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Veerendra was produced before a Sikkim magistrate, where the ED secured a transit remand to bring him to Bengaluru. He will be presented before a Bengaluru court as the local ED zone continues to probe the high-stakes money laundering and betting scandal.
