Karnataka HC considers temporary release plea for Congress MLA detained in alleged illegal betting case.
The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday sought instructions from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea filed by R.D. Chaitra, wife of Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra, seeking interim release of her husband for 2–3 days during the Dussehra festival. Veerendra was arrested in connection with an alleged illegal betting racket under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Justice M.I. Arun, hearing the matter, reserved the final verdict on the main petition, which challenges the arrest as illegal, arbitrary, and violative of fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21, until October 8. Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, representing the petitioner, requested short-term interim release, while Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath urged that bail court procedures be followed for such relief.
The court indicated that, subject to ED instructions, it may consider permitting a brief release with the condition that Veerendra would return to custody. The matter is listed for further hearing on September 26.
The ED argued that Veerendra is in lawful custody, emphasizing evidence gathered from six FIRs and a chargesheet, including mobile messages indicating financial losses in betting operations and assets linked to proceeds of crime. The agency maintained that the remand was passed by a competent court and all constitutional safeguards were followed. The case spans multiple states, with allegations of illegal online and offline betting and the transfer of illicit funds to domestic and international locations.