ED Cracks Down on Illegal Betting: Raids Across Six States

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched an extensive operation on Friday, executing searches at 30 locations across six states. This is part of an investigation into money laundering allegations against Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra, his brother, and others, who are suspected of illegal betting activities, both online and offline.

Premises spread across Chitradurga, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Hubli, Mumbai, and Goa were searched, with a spotlight on five major casinos. Sources indicate the preliminary probe suggests MLA Veerendra's involvement with multiple illicit betting sites including King567 and Raja567.

Further probing revealed that Veerendra's brother, KC Thippeswamy, managed three Dubai-based companies associated with gaming operations, while evidence of international dealings was confiscated. Connections to Anil Gowda, related to MLA Kusuma H, were also under scrutiny.

(With inputs from agencies.)