ED attaches ₹177 crore assets in alleged illegal online betting case involving Congress MLA Veerendra

Bengaluru/New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached fresh assets worth ₹177 crore in connection with a money laundering probe into an alleged nationwide illegal online betting network, naming Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra Puppy and his associates as key accused.

With the latest action, the total value of properties attached in the case has risen to ₹320 crore, significantly escalating the legal and political ramifications of the investigation.

In an official statement, the ED said the provisional attachment order was issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and includes both movable and immovable assets. These comprise agricultural lands, residential plots, and other properties allegedly acquired using proceeds of crime generated through illegal online betting operations.

However, the agency has not disclosed the exact ownership details of the attached assets, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. According to the ED, Veerendra Puppy and his associates are suspected to be the “masterminds” behind a sophisticated, pan-India online betting racket that allegedly operated through multiple digital platforms and shell entities.

The probe indicates that large sums of illicit money were routed through complex financial channels to conceal their origin and later invested in real estate and other assets.

The 51-year-old MLA, who represents the Chitradurga Assembly constituency, was arrested by the ED in August 2025 in Sikkim, where he had reportedly travelled on a business visit linked to a casino contract. He was later released on bail.

Despite this, the ED has continued to refer to him as a “key accused” in the case, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. The investigation also gains significance in the backdrop of the central government’s crackdown on real-money online gaming and betting platforms.

Last year, the Union government issued strict directions to curb illegal online betting activities, citing concerns over financial fraud, money laundering, and social harm. The ED claims the accused network continued operations despite regulatory restrictions, exploiting digital loopholes and offshore servers.

Political reactions are expected to intensify as the case unfolds, with opposition parties likely to target the Congress over the alleged involvement of one of its sitting MLAs. The Congress, however, has maintained that legal processes should take their course and has previously stated that allegations do not amount to guilt until proven in court.

As the ED expands its probe, further attachments and summons are not ruled out. The case is being closely watched, as it could have wider implications for political accountability, regulation of online betting, and enforcement of anti-money laundering laws in India.

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