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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Ajit Pawar's funeral on Thursday; Modi, Shah likely to attend
Baramati (PTI): The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, killed in a plane crash, will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, Pune district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the funeral, which will be held at Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 AM. Leaders cutting across the political spectrum will be present, the Nationalist Congress Party said.
The plane crash occurred in the morning shortly after Ajit Pawar and four other persons took off from Mumbai.
Besides Pawar, his Personal Security Officer, an attendant, and two crew members (pilot in command and the first officer) were also killed.
Pawar is survived by wife Sunetra, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and two sons, Parth and Jay.
The state government declared a public holiday on Wednesday and announced a three-day period of state mourning.
