Udupi: Five arrested in three separate Matka gambling cases, including key bookie

Udupi: Five arrested in three separate Matka gambling cases, including key bookie

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug. 8, 2026: Udupi district police have arrested five persons, including a key bookie, in three separate cases as part of a week-long crackdown on illegal Matka gambling.

On August 1, Karkala Town Police arrested a man allegedly involved in Matka gambling near a shop close to the Karkala public bus stand. The accused was reportedly collecting money from the public and enticing them by offering Rs. 70 for every Re 1 wager. He was identified as Veerendra Shetty (42), a resident of Borkatte in Miyyaru village. Police seized Rs. 1,415 in cash, Matka slips and a mobile phone from his possession. A case has been registered at the Karkala Town Police Station.

In another operation on the same day, Brahmavar Police arrested a man who was allegedly collecting money for Matka gambling at a public place near a bar in Handadi village. The accused was reportedly accepting bets on numbers ranging from 00 to 99 and promising Rs. 70 for every Re 1 wager. The arrested person was identified as Kushal Shetty (66). Police seized Rs. 2,395 in cash, a Matka slip and a ballpoint pen from him. A case has been registered at the Brahmavar Police Station.

Meanwhile, on August 1, Brahmavar Police arrested Chandrashekar Shetty, who was allegedly collecting money for Matka gambling at a public place in Chantaru village. During questioning, he reportedly told police that he handed over the collected money to Ratnakar Shetty of Korgi village, who allegedly conducted the Matka gambling based on lucky numbers. Police seized Rs. 1,400 in cash, a Matka slip and a ballpoint pen from Chandrashekar. Both Chandrashekar Shetty and Ratnakar Shetty were subsequently arrested, and a case was registered at the Brahmavar Police Station.

During the investigation, based on information provided by the accused, police traced the alleged key bookie operating the Matka network. He was identified as Leo Cornelio, a resident of Shivalli village in Udupi, and was also arrested.

The Udupi district police have intensified their crackdown on Matka gambling and are continuing to take strict action against those involved in illegal activities across the district.