Medchal man ends life after losing Rs. 2 lakhs in cricket betting

Medchal: A 29-year-old man, Somesh, from Gundla Pochampally in Medchal district, ended his life on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, after allegedly losing ₹2 lakh in cricket betting. The incident occurred in Goudavelli, under the jurisdiction of the Medchal police station.

According to a complaint filed by his parents, Somesh was in shock after losing the money in online betting. In a tragic turn of events, he ended his life by laying down on the railway tracks in Goudavelli.

In a separate incident, a 22-year-old student, Sirikonda Nikhil Rao, ended his life on March 10, after struggling with debts from online betting. Nikhil, a third-year B.Sc. Agriculture student from Karimnagar, had accumulated significant debt, which his father, Tirupati Rao, had previously cleared.

Nikhil had returned to his village on March 7. His father dropped him at the Karimnagar bus stand on March 10, expecting him to return to Hyderabad. However, overwhelmed by his financial troubles, Nikhil decided not to board the bus and instead returned to the village.

His body was later discovered by a local farmer in an agricultural well. Police have registered a case, and an investigation is ongoing.

Case Filed Against Celebrities Promoting Online Betting Apps

Meanwhile, the Miyapur police in Cyberabad have registered a case against 25 individuals, including several well-known celebrities, for allegedly promoting online betting platforms. The case was filed following a petition by Phanindra Sarma, a Miyapur resident, who reported that many locals had been lured into investing in betting apps promoted by celebrities on social media.

The celebrities named in the FIR include actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhi Agarwal, among others, accused of endorsing betting sites such as Jungleerummy.com, A23, Yolo247.com, and JeetWin. Sarma’s petition claims that these apps have contributed to financial difficulties for many, particularly young adults.

The FIR also includes several influencers and social media personalities accused of promoting various betting platforms. The police have registered a case under the TS Gaming Act, the IT Act, and other relevant provisions, with an investigation currently underway.

Warning Against Online Betting

Following the incidents, VC Sajjanar, Senior IPS Officer and Managing Director of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), issued a public warning about the dangers of online betting. In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), he stated, “Online betting has claimed the life of a degree student. The parents, who hoped their son would settle down as an agricultural officer, have seen their dreams shattered. Youngsters, do not fall into the trap of easy money and destroy your future.”