MLA Rudrappa Lamani raids alleged matka den in Haveri, hands accused to police

Haveri: In a dramatic turn of events, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker and MLA Rudrappa Lamani personally raided an alleged matka gambling den in Guttal town of Haveri taluk and handed over the accused to the police, drawing praise from local residents.

While curbing illegal activities such as matka and gambling is primarily the responsibility of the police department, villagers alleged that unlawful operations were flourishing unchecked in the area.

Acting on complaints from local women, Lamani took immediate action during his visit to Guttal on March 2. According to residents, matka betting was being conducted in a room near a government primary school in the town.

Women from the locality approached the MLA during a public event and alleged that despite repeated complaints, no action had been taken to shut down the illegal activity. They expressed concern over the growing gambling menace and its impact on families and youth.

The MLA was in Guttal to attend the inauguration of a Nada Kacheri and participate in a town panchayat meeting along with the Tahsildar. During the visit, a group of women confronted him, also raising issues about fish and meat vendors allegedly dumping waste in open areas, causing foul smell and attracting stray dogs that pose a threat to children.

Taking serious note of the matka allegations, Lamani immediately proceeded to the location mentioned by the residents. Upon entering the premises, he reportedly found a man engaged in writing matka bets inside the room. The MLA detained the individual on the spot and summoned the local PSI to the scene.

Police personnel arrived shortly after and took the accused into custody. Lamani is said to have reprimanded officials for failing to act earlier and directed them to clamp down on illegal gambling activities in the town. He also instructed revenue and police authorities to ensure strict monitoring to prevent recurrence.

The swift action has been widely appreciated by villagers, who said it sent a strong message against illegal activities. In a political landscape where allegations often surface about local patronage to such rackets, Lamani’s direct intervention has sparked discussion, with many calling it an example of proactive leadership.

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