Hyderabad: Postal employee ends life after losing huge money in online betting

Hyderabad: A 38-year-old postal department employee died by suicide at his residence in Sahara Estate, Asmanagar here.

The deceased took the extreme step after he suffered huge financial losses in online betting.

In a tragic farewell note, he made a direct plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ban betting apps, warning that they are destroying families and pushing youth into despair.

Addiction to betting apps led to debt spiral

The deceased, identified as A Naresh, had reportedly lost nearly Rs 15 lakh through online betting platforms. Initially a casual user, Naresh became increasingly addicted, eventually borrowing large sums from various loan apps in an attempt to recover his losses. His worsening financial condition drove him into severe depression and isolation.

Victim's final appeal to the Prime Minister

In his handwritten suicide note, Naresh made an emotional appeal to the Prime Minister, writing: "Modi sir, please ban betting apps and save the youth of this country." He blamed these platforms for destroying his life and said many other families were suffering similar fates.

Family unaware of his struggles

Naresh lived with his wife, a work-from-home software employee, and their six-year-old daughter. He was drawing a monthly salary of around Rs 85,000.

According to police, on the day of the incident, he sent his wife to a nearby pharmacy on the pretext of stomach pain. When she returned, she found him unconscious.

Despite efforts by neighbours, he was declared dead at a nearby hospital.

Police register case, investigation underway

Police have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment of suicide) and are continuing their investigation. Naresh’s body was shifted to Osmania General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. His family later took his body to their native place in Vizianagaram for the final rites.

Growing concerns over Online Betting

This incident adds to the growing number of suicides linked to online betting and gambling in India. Mental health professionals and activists have repeatedly called for regulatory action, highlighting the lack of control and high financial risk associated with these platforms.