Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra, popularly known as “Puppy,” was arrested on August 23, 2025, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during a multi-state crackdown on an illegal online betting racket. The operation, which spanned five states including Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Sikkim, uncovered Rs12 crore in cash — including Rs1 crore in foreign currency — along with luxury cars sporting identical VIP registration numbers and gold jewellery worth Rs6 crore.
Veerendra was apprehended in Gangtok, Sikkim, after raids across 31 locations revealed a sophisticated betting network intertwined with money laundering and international links. The raids targeted multiple properties, casinos, vehicles, and bank accounts connected to Veerendra and his associates.
Among the casinos raided were “Puppy’s Casino Gold” and “Ocean Rivers Casino” in Goa. Digital evidence gathered implicates Veerendra and his brother in running illicit betting platforms, which operate online and through offshore firms based in Dubai. Investigators suspect ties to gambling establishments in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Georgia.
Veerendra’s family has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, while opposition parties have called for a thorough and transparent investigation. A key lead in the probe points to Veerendra’s attempts to acquire another casino owned by a lottery operator already under ED scrutiny, raising concerns about continued money laundering activities.
