Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra, popularly known as ‘Puppy’, has been arrested from Sikkim in connection with a massive illegal betting racket. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out extensive raids across several states on August 22 and 23, unearthing a network allegedly linked to international casinos and online betting operations.
Search operations were conducted in Karnataka, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Goa, targeting five casinos — Casino Gold, Ocean Rivers Casino, Casino Pride, Ocean 7, and Big Daddy. Officials said Veerendra was operating multiple betting websites, including King567 and Raja567, while his brother K C Thippeswamy managed Dubai-based entities tied to gaming and call centre services.
The ED recovered ₹12 crore in cash, including ₹1 crore in foreign currency, gold jewellery worth ₹6 crore, around 10 kg of silver ornaments, and three luxury cars — all bearing the same VIP number “0003.” Investigators also found several international casino membership cards from MOM, Bellagio, Metropolitan, Marina, and Casino Jewel, along with elite hotel memberships from Taj, Hyatt, and The Leela.
Officials revealed that the group was attempting to lease land for a casino in Gangtok. Incriminating evidence pointed to “complex layering” of funds to hide illegal proceeds. The agency has frozen 17 bank accounts, sealed two lockers, and seized property documents linked to Veerendra’s family members, including his brother K C Nagaraj and nephew Pruthvi N Raj.
