In fact, it is said that Balehonnur is the headquarters for ‘Matka’ kings. Everyday, business worth lakhs of rupees is being carried out. According to  a police constable, nearly Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh matka business is being carried out daily in the district and some police officials too are taking bribe to remain mum over the issue.

Gambling is a common scene in some of the petty shops in Uppalli, Kaldoddi, Vijayapura, Mallanduru road, Market road, Santhe maidana, Shankarapura. The matka or gambling is on rise in Koppa sub division. In fact, in Balehonnur, two persons including a conductor are said to be carrying out gambling activities openly without any fear of being caught.

Interestingly, it is no more a secret that the Balehonnur police are aware of gambling. As some police officials are reportedly hand in glove with the culprits, no action could be taken so far, informed highly placed sources. The situation is no different in Tarikere, Kadur, Birur and Mudigere towns.

The gambling was under control when Madhukar Shetty was the SP of Chikmagalur. After his transfer, gambling has mushroomed in the district. When Praveen Pavar was ASP in Chikmagalur, he had suspended eight police officials for taking part in gambling during a raid. With the technological advance, the matka business has also become tech-friendly. From walking matka, it has become SMS matka. District police are unable to collect details even on ‘SMS matka.’

It was said that Viphul Kumar had prepared a rowdysheet against a Matka king and had asked for his externation. However, later Hemanth Nimbalkar and M N Nagaraj did not pay attention towards it. When elected representatives pressurised police, they arrest one or two persons involved in gambling and then return to the collection of tips from the accused. By showing the statistics, they make us keep quite, said a ZP member.  Enraged over the inefficiancy of the police, the women in the district are said to be getting ready to gherao SP office soon.