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. This year, Chamarajanagar police arrested four persons in separate cases for selling banned lottery tickets.
Lottery tickets are typically sold at prices ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 250 with the prize money going up to Rs 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 has risen again this year, with 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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Indian student dies in Germany after jumping from apartment to escape fire
Berlin: A 25-year-old Indian student from Telangana lost his life in a fire accident in Germany on New Year’s Day while trying to escape from his apartment, leaving his family devastated just days before he was to return home for Sankranti.
According to a report published by NDTV, the deceased, Hruthik Reddy, hailed from Malkapur village in Jangaon district. A fire broke out late Wednesday night at the apartment where he was staying in Germany. As the flames and thick smoke spread rapidly, Hruthik reportedly attempted to escape by jumping from the upper floor of the building.
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Hruthik Reddy had reportedly left for Magdeburg in Germany in June 2023 to pursue an MS degree at the University of Europe. He graduated from Vaagdevi College of Engineering in 2022. His family said he had postponed taking a break during Dasara, planning instead to come home in the second week of January for Sankranti festival.
News of his death has cast a pall of gloom over his native village, where family members had been eagerly preparing for his homecoming. Instead, they are now awaiting the return of his mortal remains.
Local authorities in Germany are investigating the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, Hruthik's family and friends back in Telangana have reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Germany to expedite the process of bringing his mortal remains back to his home village for the final rites.
The incident comes amid a series of tragic deaths involving Telugu students abroad. Last month, a 24-year-old woman from Jangaon district, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, died in a house fire in Albany, New York. She had moved to the US in 2021 for higher studies. She was living in Albany, New York. According to preliminary information, the fire had originated in a neighbouring building and spread rapidly to Sahaja's house. She was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out and was unable to escape.
