New Delhi, August 23 — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Karnataka Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra, popularly known as ‘Puppy’, in connection with a major illegal betting and money laundering case. The arrest was made in Gangtok, Sikkim, where Veerendra was reportedly negotiating a casino lease. He was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and granted transit remand for transfer to Bengaluru.
The ED’s two-day operation across 31 locations led to the seizure of ₹12 crore in cash, including ₹1 crore in foreign currency, along with gold jewellery worth ₹6 crore, 10 kilograms of silver, four luxury vehicles, and several property documents. Authorities also froze 17 bank accounts and two lockers linked to Veerendra and his family.
Investigators allege that Veerendra operated multiple online betting platforms such as King567, Raja567, Puppy’s003, and Rathna Gaming. His brother, K.C. Thippeswamy, is believed to be managing three Dubai-based firms suspected of routing funds into the betting network. Raids were also conducted at five Goa casinos reportedly associated with Veerendra.
The arrest follows the central government’s recent crackdown on online gambling. The ED claims to have uncovered complex fund layering and offshore links, suggesting large-scale laundering of illicit proceeds.
The Congress party has not yet issued an official response. Legal proceedings are underway, and further investigation is expected.
