PMK to Initiate Protest Against Online Gambling in TN
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Synopsis
The PMK, representing the Vanniyar community and part of the NDA, is set to launch a statewide protest against online gambling in Tamil Nadu, citing a rise in suicides linked to financial losses from these platforms.
Key Takeaways
- PMK initiates a protest against online gambling.
- Criticism of DMK government for inaction.
- At least 77 suicides reported since 2021.
- Call for a ban on online gambling.
- Recent suicide cases highlight the urgent need for action.
Chennai, March 31 (NationPress) The PMK, representing the prominent Vanniyar community and part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has declared a statewide protest against online gambling.
This initiative is a reaction to the alarming rise in suicides attributed to financial losses from these gambling platforms.
PMK President Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, in a statement issued on Monday, condemned the DMK government for its lack of action and urged for immediate measures to combat online gambling. He disclosed that since the DMK took office in 2021, at least 77 individuals have tragically taken their lives due to the financial strain caused by online gambling.
Dr Anbumani, a Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Minister, criticized the DMK government for its procrastination in addressing this issue and demanded transparency regarding its position on prohibiting online gambling.
He emphasized that 15 months have elapsed since the government lodged an appeal against a High Court ruling pertaining to the ban, yet the case remains unheard.
In light of a recent case, he cited the suicide of Vennila, a resident of Mittnakuppam village in Thirupathur district, who took her life after her husband became addicted to online gambling. This incident marked the 10th case in just three months.
Dr Anbumani reported that there have been 27 suicides in the last year and a half associated with gambling-related challenges and accused the DMK of showing negligible commitment to addressing this crisis.
The PMK will determine the date and time of the protest after a meeting of its state executive committee, he noted.
PMK founder Dr S. Ramadoss also urged the DMK government to pass a new bill prohibiting online gambling. Highlighting the tragic death of Mahendran, a milk trader from Dindigul district who allegedly ended his life after losing over Rs 2 lakh to gambling apps, he called for swift government action to avert further tragedies.
