Indian state Telangana reports 7 deaths in a month linked to online betting
Indian southern state Telangana has recorded seven deaths linked to illegal online betting within a month. The victims, all under the age of 26, reportedly suffered heavy financial losses after engaging in banned betting platforms, despite the state’s restrictions. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed recently by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is investigating the growing crisis.
MTech student dies after losing $3,111.10
The most recent case involves 24-year-old K Pavan, an MTech student at Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University in Hyderabad. He died by suicide on April 17 after reportedly losing over ₹2.65 lakh ($3,111.10) on betting apps. His brother-in-law, B Srikanth, said Pavan started betting at the start of the IPL season and had been using apps like Slice, Lucky Kismat, and JDB Gaming.
Pavan’s father, K Pedda Narsimhulu, a farmer, said he was unaware of the extent of his son’s involvement. “He told me he had suffered losses. I gave him ₹1 lakh during Ugadi. But it seems he continued betting,” he said.
Others lost family savings and took loans
In a similar case, Somesh (25) ended his life after failing to recover money invested in online betting, including ₹2 lakh set aside for his sister’s wedding.
Another victim, 22-year-old K Akash from Nizamabad, died by suicide on April 1. He reportedly lost ₹5 lakh across two platforms. Akash had become a father just six months before.
Police confirmed that most of the victims borrowed money from friends or lending apps and pledged personal items such as motorcycles and mobile phones. In one instance, a man was allegedly murdered by another betting addict after a dispute involving ₹3 lakh.
Online betting accessed despite state ban
Telangana has banned online betting. However, users continue to access these platforms using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass geo-fencing.
“We recently held a meeting with 133 Indian betting companies. They have blocked access in Telangana, but VPN use is widespread,” said a senior SIT officer. “In addition, several unregulated Chinese platforms remain active.”
The SIT, along with local police, is now focused on identifying and blocking digital content promoting betting apps. Seventy cases are currently under investigation, with four high-profile cases involving celebrities transferred to the SIT.
SIT action and family appeals
The SIT has introduced a standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling digital betting cases and is supporting local police units.
“We are tracking both regulated and unregulated platforms, and ensuring strong follow-up on every case,” an official said.
Families of the victims have urged authorities to act swiftly. “We hope the government cracks down on these apps before more lives are lost,” said Srikanth, Pavan’s brother-in-law.
The collective losses from the seven deaths are estimated at over ₹20 lakh. Investigators warn that the social and financial impact of illegal online betting continues to grow.
