Udupi: In a series of coordinated raids across Udupi district, police units from Manipal, Brahmavar, and Padubidri stations apprehended multiple individuals allegedly involved in matka gambling and online cricket betting. Acting on specific tip-offs, officers seized cash, mobile phones, and betting-related materials, registering separate cases under relevant sections of the Karnataka Police Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Manipal police arrest Perampalli resident in matka case

The first raid was conducted near Perampalli, where Sub-Inspector Akshaya Kumari S N of the Manipal police acted upon intelligence that a person was collecting money from the public for matka gambling.
The accused, Willy Dinesh D’Souza (52), a resident of Moodu Perampalli, was taken into custody. Police said he was collecting bets and handing over the money to an associate named Leo from Ambagilu, keeping a commission for himself.

During the operation, officers seized ₹1,800 in cash, a mobile phone, and other materials used for recording bets. Police noted that the accused had been operating in the area for some time, targeting regular passers-by and locals.

Brahmavar police nab multiple matka operators

In a separate operation, ASI Jayakumar of the Brahmavar police station conducted a raid at Uppoor, where Anvith (21), a resident of the locality, was found collecting money for matka gambling. He was allegedly handing over the collected money to Paul D’Souza, another accused in the network. Police recovered ₹1,790 from Anvith.

Another raid was led by Head Constable Ashok K M of the Brahmavar station at Varampalli, resulting in the arrest of Damodara Poojary (42) of Varampally village. Police said he was involved in organising matka gambling by offering a prize money of ₹70 for every Re 1 bet placed by participants. He was routing the collected amount to an associate named Dayananda.
Officers seized ₹1,950 in cash and other materials from the accused.

In yet another crackdown, Head Constable Ashoka Malabagi, also from Brahmavar police station, arrested Kamalaksha from Uppoor for collecting money from the public for matka gambling. Police recovered ₹1,710 from him and said he was handing over the collected money to an accused identified as Leo Carnalio.

Police sources indicated that these matka operators formed part of small, decentralised gambling networks functioning in different parts of Udupi taluk. Most of them used a commission-based system, handing over daily collections to higher-level organisers based within and outside the district.

Cases booked under Karnataka Police Act and BNS

All the arrested individuals in the matka cases have been booked under:

  • Section 78 (i)(iii) of the Karnataka Police Act (relating to gaming and gambling)
  • Section 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

Police have emphasised that raids will continue in areas where illicit gambling activities have been reported, especially in semi-urban and rural pockets.

Padubidri police crack down on cricket betting

In a separate incident, a team from Padubidri police station led by PSI Anil Kumar Naik arrested Sunil Kumar (31) of Lingappayyakadu in Mulky for engaging in online cricket betting.
Sunil Kumar was allegedly collecting money from the public at Nandikoor in Kaup taluk and placing bets through an online platform titled ‘PARKER’, linked to a match between the Kathmandu Gorkhas and the Lumbini Lions, part of the Nepal Premier League being held in Nepal.

Police seized ₹1,000 in cash, two mobile phones, and other betting materials from him. Officers believe he was part of a small betting syndicate operating through online portals that allow real-time wagers during international and league tournaments.

A case has been registered under Section 78 of the Karnataka Police Act and Section 112 of the BNS.

Police tighten vigilance against gambling

Udupi district police have intensified surveillance following rising complaints of illegal matka spots, petty gambling centres, and online betting operations. Officers said that gambling networks often exploit unsuspecting locals by offering high returns on small bets, making such activities common in rural and semi-urban neighbourhoods.

Police urged residents to share information on illegal gambling dens, betting groups, and online operators to help curb the menace. Further investigations are underway to identify the higher-level organisers linked to the arrested individuals.