Five arrested in Udupi for attacking police, running cricket betting racket

Udupi ; In a major crackdown, police in Udupi district have arrested five individuals in connection with two serious cases—attempting to attack police personnel and operating an illegal cricket betting racket. Cases have been registered at both Karkala and Shirva police stations.

According to police, the first incident occurred near a Honda showroom at Hanchikatte in Kasaba village of Karkala taluk. Sub-Inspector Prasanna M.S. and his team from Karkala Rural Police Station had attempted to stop a suspicious black car coming from Bangle Gudde Circle. However, instead of halting, the occupants allegedly tried to ram the vehicle into the police personnel.

Officials said the accused attempted to run over officers and obstructed them from discharging their duties. A case has been registered at Karkala Town Police Station in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, based on inputs about the same vehicle moving suspiciously from Belman, a team led by Sub-Inspector Manjunath Marabada of Shirva Police Station intercepted the car. Though the driver initially slowed down, he allegedly attempted to push aside a police officer and escape. The vehicle was eventually seized in Shirva town after a brief chase.

During interrogation, police uncovered a larger illegal operation involving cricket betting. The accused were identified as Sudarshan Shetty (29) from Nadur, Kartavya Shetty (27) from Herur, Arun Shetty (29) from Moodur, Tejas (28) from Belanje in Hebri, and Prajwal Shetty (29) from Shirur in Byndoor taluk.

Investigators revealed that the group was part of an organised betting network, luring people to invest money with promises of high returns through cricket betting. Victims were allegedly cheated, and funds were diverted into illegal gambling activities.

Police have registered a separate case at Shirva Police Station under relevant sections. Authorities are now probing the financial trail and possible links to larger interstate betting syndicates.

Officials have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on illegal betting and warned the public against engaging in such activities. Further investigation is underway.