First time in years Udupi matka leader and gang rounded-up

First time in years Udupi matka leader and gang rounded-up

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, May 30, 2014: Reports confirm that Leo Cornelio, a known matka (gambling in series of numbers) organiser in Udupi district, has for the first time arrested. He is said to be the kingpin controlling gambling activities in every part of Udupi district. Police also arrested Santosh Kadekar, Ramesh Matadabettu, Prasad Katapady and Nagaraj Moodabettu it is learnt.

In the last few years, the police received numerous complaints about gambling activities in the district, particularly from wives of daily labourers. The women often complained that their husbands were lured by matka operators and made to part with their hard-earned wages to gamble them away.

There have been consistent allegations police too were part of the mafia and got kick backs; Cornelio was never disturbed until now. It is now hoped that the gang may be booked under Goonda Act. It is said that MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, in his recent campaign had promised to crack down on all forms of crime in Udupi.

Reliable indications point to ASP Annamalai and his team arrested the four near the city bus stand. Sources said that to arrest Cornelio, the police first went to his house at Ambagilu and took his wife to the police station when Cornelio came in, the police arrested him. The police took in money and papers as evidence from the gang to be produced in court May 30. Investigations are said to be on going in the crimes.