Synopsis
The Telangana government plans to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address the issue of online betting and betting apps, according to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. This decision comes in response to rising concerns about the impact of online gambling on the youth and society.Key Takeaways
- SIT formation to tackle online betting in Telangana.
- Government aims to impose stricter penalties for betting activities.
- Concerns raised about online betting leading to suicides.
- Previous laws against online gambling were poorly enforced.
- Government will take firm action against banned substances.
Hyderabad, March 26 (NationPress) The government of Telangana will form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) aimed at tackling betting applications and online gambling, as announced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday.
During an address in the Assembly, he emphasized the government's commitment to not only monitor betting applications and online Rummy games but also to take decisive action against them.
The SIT is expected to determine the necessary measures to either restrict or prohibit these betting applications.
Revanth Reddy's remarks came in response to a request from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) member T. Harish Rao, who urged the government to implement strict measures against online betting, citing the struggles faced by the underprivileged.
Harish Rao expressed alarm over the rising incidence of suicides among young individuals in the state, attributed to the scourge of online betting.
Revanth Reddy recalled that the prior government enacted a law in 2017 to outlaw online gambling and betting; however, it fell short in terms of enforcement.
He pointed out the rapid expansion of online betting in recent years, mentioning the involvement of various individuals and organizations on both national and international fronts in these activities, which cannot be adequately managed through typical police investigations. Thus, the state government resolved to establish the SIT.
The Chief Minister stated that discussions with relevant officials will precede the formation of the SIT.
Notably, the current legislation imposes a maximum penalty of only two years for individuals implicated in these activities; therefore, he indicated that amendments might be proposed in the upcoming session to ensure harsher penalties for organizers and others implicated. He believes that severe punishment could serve as a deterrent against these crimes.
Referring to the cases against some actors and social media influencers promoting betting applications, Revanth Reddy remarked that simply interrogating those endorsing online betting will not yield a viable solution.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister raised concerns about the distribution of gutka and other prohibited substances, stating that the government has resolved to take stringent actions.
