Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, June 2: In a significant crackdown on illegal matka gambling, the Udupi district police have arrested 12 bookies and registered 12 cases across various police station limits.

The operation followed the arrest of a matka operator under the Shirva police station limits, which led to a broader investigation into an interlinked gambling network.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Prakash Moolya (43), resident of Moodabettu, Bommarabettu Village, Hiriyadka post; Ratnakar Amin (48), resident of Malpe, Kodavooru Village; Nagesh (56), resident of Indira Nagar, 76 Badagubettu Village, Udupi taluk; Vijay Nayari (50), resident of Karkada Village, Brahmavar Taluk; Divakara Poojary (42), resident of Petri Post, Cherkadi; Ramraj (44), resident of Shiribedu Matha Betta, Moodanidamburu; Jagadeesh (39), resident of Moodasagri, Kunjibettu Post; Chidananda (35), native of Malekoppa, Kukanur Taluk, Koppal district; Tippeswamy (52), resident of Madhvanagar, Kodavooru; Raghavendra (41), resident of Santhekatte, Udupi; Uday S Bhandari (45), resident of Puttur; and Manoj Kumar (39), resident of Uchila.

The accused have been booked under cases registered at the Udupi, Manipal, Malpe, Kota, and Padubidri police station limits.

Police officials stated that this is part of a district-wide operation targeting organised betting activities. “We have launched a strict crackdown against those involved in Matka gambling. This operation has already led to 12 arrests, and more action will follow,” said a senior police officer.

“We are committed to eliminating all forms of illegal gambling from Udupi district. Strict legal action will continue to be taken against individuals involved in Matka or similar unlawful practices,” the official added.

Authorities have urged the public to report any such activities, assuring that informants’ identities will remain confidential. Investigations are ongoing.