Udupi: In a week-long crackdown on illegal gambling, Udupi district police registered three Matka-related cases and arrested four accused, including a bookie identified through leads provided by suspects.SP Hariram Shankar said police later tracked down and arrested Matka bookie Leo Cornelio, son of Francis Cornelio, a resident of Shivalli village.On Aug. 1, Karkala Town police, led by SI Shivakumar SR, raided Mahammai Mukhya Prana Enterprises near Karkala bus stand in Kasaba village. Virendra Shetty (42) of Miyar village was allegedly caught collecting bets by promising a payout of Rs 70 for every Re 1 wagered in the Matka game. Police seized Rs 1,415 in cash, a Matka slip, a pen and a mobile phone. A case was registered under Section 78(1)(iii) of the Karnataka Police Act and Section 112(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).The same day, Brahmavar PSI Muktabai and her team raided a public spot near Guddi Bar in Handadi village following a tip-off. Kushal Shetty (66) of Padukere, Manur village, was allegedly found accepting bets on numbers 00 to 99 with the same payout promise. Police seized Rs 2,395 in cash, a Matka slip and a pen. A case was registered under Section 78(1)(iii) of the Karnataka Police Act.In another operation, police intercepted Chandrashekara Shetty (55) near a bar and family restaurant in Chanthar village. During interrogation, he allegedly disclosed that the money collected through Matka betting was handed over to Ratnakara Shetty of Korgi, Kundapura, who supplied the lucky numbers and paid commissions. Police seized Rs 1,400 in cash, a Matka slip and a pen. Brahmavar police registered a case under Section 112 of the BNS and Section 78(1)(iii) of the Karnataka Police Act.
