Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, May 30: In a flash operation, the police led by ASP Annamalai on Thursday May 29 arrested matka king Leo Cornelio and four others.

Cornelio is known to be running matka (a form of gambling) operations across Udupi district, but this is the first time he has been arrested. He is said to be the kingpin of gambling activities in every taluk of the district.

Along with Cornelio, the police also arrested Santosh Kadekar, Ramesh Matadabettu, Prasad Katapady and Nagaraj Moodabettu.

Based on credible information, 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, and then told him to come to the station to get her. When Cornelio came, the police arrested him.

It is said that over the last few years, the police have 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 savings in hopes of making big money.

It is alleged that police too were party to such activities and hence Cornelio was never caught, until now. Though the other four had been caught before, they had been released in no time. This time however, it is expected that they and Cornelio may be booked under Goonda Act. It may be mentioned here that MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, during election time, too had promised to crack down on matka business in Udupi.

The police also seized Rs 38,000 from the accused.

The accused will be produced in court on Friday May 30.

Udupi town police are investigating further.