Rakesh Maria, who is leading the investigation into the Suresh Bhagat murder conspiracy, says, “Over the years, the matka business has developed very close links with the underworld in Mumbai. Till the late 90s, the involvement of the Mumbai underworld in the matka business was limited to gangs demanding ‘protection money’ from the operators to let them carry on their business safely. In 1998, the Gawli gang entered the matka business when Suhas Roge started associating with Jaya Bhagat.”

According to Maria, the matka racket is the most organised crime sector in the city, operating in a particular hierarchy with the main operator at the top, employing bookies under him, who in turn have sub-bookies reporting to them.