Chennai: In a tragic incident, a 26-year-old man in Tamil Nadu ended his life after losing his mother’s cancer treatment fund to an online rummy game. The deceased, identified as Akash, was a catering delivery worker who reportedly became addicted to online rummy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Akash lived with his ailing mother and younger brother in Chennai following the death of their father a few years ago. The family had been struggling financially, with Akash’s mother saving Rs 30,000 for her cancer treatment. Recently, she discovered that the money was missing.
Upon confronting Akash, he admitted to having used the funds to play online rummy. Upset and frustrated, his mother and brother reprimanded him. Following the argument, Akash left home on Friday evening with his mobile phone and did not return.
The family searched for him extensively, including at the homes of close friends, but to no avail. Tragically, Akash’s body was discovered on the terrace of their residence on Saturday morning.
The Kottupuram Police in Chennai have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
The case highlights the growing menace of online gambling addiction in Tamil Nadu. Over the past four years, 48 people have reportedly taken their lives in the state due to addiction to online betting apps or falling victim to online loan frauds.
To combat this issue, the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) has implemented strict regulations under the TNOGA Act, 2022. The act prohibits online gambling, betting, and games of chance, with violators facing up to three months in prison, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both. Additionally, financial institutions and payment gateways are barred from facilitating transactions related to online gambling, and advertising such activities in any media within Tamil Nadu is prohibited.
The TNOGA has urged citizens to report online gambling activities or submit suggestions for regulating online games through their website, www.tnonlinegamingauthority.com, or via email at tnoga@tn.gov.in.
Meanwhile, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has called for stringent measures against online games like rummy. He stressed that such platforms are driving many young individuals to financial ruin, despair, and even suicide.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and awareness campaigns to curb the harmful effects of online gambling.
With IANS inputs