Karnataka: Family of Three Takes Their Lives After Online Gambling Losses
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Synopsis
A family in Karnataka faced a tragic outcome, allegedly driven to suicide after incurring substantial losses from online gambling activities. The incident highlights the dire consequences of online betting and the urgent need for regulatory measures.
Key Takeaways
- Three family members committed suicide due to gambling debts.
- Pressure from creditors contributed to their distress.
- Online gambling regulations were debated in the Karnataka Assembly.
- Previous guidelines against online betting were invalidated.
- The incident raises awareness about the risks of online gambling.
Bengaluru, Feb 18 (NationPress) Three individuals from a single family tragically ended their lives, reportedly due to losing substantial amounts of money in online gambling in the Mysuru district of Karnataka on Tuesday.
The event occurred near the village of Hanchya, in proximity to Mysuru.
The individuals who passed away were identified as Josh Anthony, his sibling Joby Anthony, and Joby's spouse Sharmila, also referred to as Swathi.
Law enforcement officials revealed that Joby Anthony and Sharmila had incurred considerable financial losses while betting on IPL cricket matches and engaging in online gaming.
Creditors frequently visited them, insisting on repayment of what they were owed.
Feeling overwhelmed and in distress, Anthony was the first to take his life.
Josh followed suit on February 17 (Monday) by hanging himself.
Prior to his death, he recorded a video accusing Anthony and Sharmila of fraudulently borrowing money in the name of their sister.
"My sister is unmarried, and Joby and his wife have defrauded her. My brother Joby Anthony and his wife Sharmila are to blame for my demise. They deserve punishment," Josh declared in the video.
Upon hearing about Josh's suicide, both Anthony and Sharmila also took their own lives by hanging on Tuesday.
The police have initiated an investigation into this tragic situation.
During its governance, the BJP-led Karnataka government enacted an amendment to the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, which prohibits online betting and wagering games. The ruling BJP had pledged to eliminate online betting, recognizing its detrimental effects on families.
In 2022, the High Court invalidated guidelines that criminalized online gaming and betting.
Former Speaker and senior Congress figure Ramesh Kumar had voiced concerns in a Legislative Session, pressing the then BJP government to take decisive action against the swift rise of betting activities.
