Current Matka Business in Mumbai

The Matka business in Mumbai is currently run by small-time bookies primarily in the area of Kalyan and Mulund and there have been instances of criminal involvement. Ratan Khatri, quoted in an article in the Indian Express(referenced below) expressed his sentiment on the current state of Matka in the city, by saying that the game has lost its previous widespread appeal because the business has now been taken over by criminals.

Insiders said there are around 400 matka bookies in the city and above 1,000 across the state. The ‘hafta’ to police and other agencies across the state is estimated at Rs 6 crore each month. The matka business had come to a virtual standstill around 2003. The new kingpin, Pappu Saula, operates from an office in Mulund.[Citation - Mid-Day news article referenced below].

In June and July 2008 the Matka business once again came to a stand still with the murder of Suresh Bhagat, son of Kalyanji Bhagat. Suresh and Pappu Saula both are said to have had ties with Mumbai gangster Arun Gawli who helped in orchestrating the murder alongside Suresh's wife. The media quoted the Mumbai police saying that the Matka business brought a 1000 crore monthly turnover to Savla and Bhagat.