The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra in Gangtok, Sikkim, as part of a widespread crackdown on illegal betting and money laundering.
The arrest follows extensive raids across 30 locations, uncovering a staggering ₹12 crore in cash—including ₹1 crore in foreign currency—alongside gold jewellery worth ₹6 crore, 10 kg of silver, and four vehicles.
Veerendra was reportedly in Gangtok to lease land for a casino. His associates, including brother KC Thippeswamy and son Pruthvi N Raj, are alleged to have operated online betting platforms such as King567, Raja567, Puppy’s 003, and Rathna Gaming from Dubai. The ED also froze 17 bank accounts and two lockers, and seized property documents from Veerendra’s brother, KC Nagaraj.
The investigation revealed a complex network of financial layering and offshore operations linked to gaming and call centre businesses. Five casinos in Goa—Puppy’s Casino Gold, Ocean Rivers Casino, Puppy’s Casino Pride, Ocean 7 Casino, and Big Daddy Casino—were also searched as part of the probe.
Veerendra was produced before a judicial magistrate in Gangtok and is expected to face further interrogation regarding the source and movement of illicit funds.
