Despite ban, Kerala lottery tickets thrive illegally in Karnataka border villages
Mysuru: Even though lotteries are banned in Karnataka, the illegal sale of lottery tickets, mostly from neighbouring Kerala, continues unabated in several border villages, particularly in Chamarajanagar district, The New Indian Express reported on Friday.
Villages along the Karnataka–Kerala border, including areas near Gundlupet, Chamarajanagar and Kollegal, have reportedly become hubs for the circulation of Kerala lottery tickets. Daily wage labourers and workers from the unorganised sector are among the most affected, drawn by the hope of quick money despite repeated warnings.
Residents say the trade has quietly flourished over the years. “Daily wage earners, especially those involved in tender coconut vending and other informal jobs, spend their hard-earned money on these lotteries,” TNIE quoted Ramesh, a resident of Terakanambi village in Gundlupet taluk, as saying.
The depth of the problem is evident from recent arrests. A few days ago, a 48-year-old man in Terakanambi village of Gundlupet taluk was arrested for allegedly selling Kerala lottery tickets. Last year, Chamarajanagar police arrested four persons in separate cases for selling banned lottery tickets.
Lottery tickets are typically sold at prices ranging from ₹50 to ₹250, with prize money going up to ₹50 lakh. Sources said agents often sell tickets at rates higher than the printed price, increasing their profits while pushing buyers deeper into financial trouble.
Data from the Karnataka police revealed that 78 cases were registered under the Karnataka Lottery Prohibition Act in 2023. The number dipped to 54 cases in 2024, but rose again to 64 cases booked across the state till November.
Those arrested are charged under Sections 4(1), 5 and 7 of the Karnataka Lottery and Prize Competitions Control and Tax Act, police said. Villagers said stricter surveillance and coordinated action across border districts are essential to curb the menace.
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Indore water contamination: Mayor says informed of 10 deaths
Indore (PTI): Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava on Friday said he has received information about 10 deaths due to a diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area of the city.
However, local residents have claimed that 14 individuals, including a six-month-old infant, have died due to the health crisis. The health department has not confirmed this claim.
“According to health department data, four people have died due to the diarrhoea outbreak in Bhagirathpura. However, I have received information about 10 deaths due to this outbreak,” Bhargava told PTI.
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To a question about suspected cholera spread in the area based on preliminary test reports of drinking water samples collected from Bhagirathpura, the mayor said only the health department could provide information on the matter.
Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani said on Thursday that laboratory test reports from a city medical college had confirmed that the drinking water from the locality was contaminated due to a leakage in a pipeline.
The CMHO, however, did not share the detailed findings of the report. Administrative officials have also been avoiding giving clear information about it.
Officials said a leakage was found in the main drinking water supply pipeline near a police outpost in Bhagirathpura, at a spot over which a toilet has been constructed. They claimed the leakage led to contamination of the water supply.
More than 1,400 people have been affected by vomiting and diarrhoea in Bhagirathpura over the past nine days.
A health department official, citing the situation till Thursday night, said that 272 patients were admitted to hospitals in the area, of whom 71 have been discharged.
The official said 32 of the 201 patients currently hospitalised are undergoing treatment in intensive care units.
