Telangana Teen Dies By Suicide After Losing Rs 1 Lakh In Online Betting

An 18-year-old man in Telangana died by suicide after he lost Rs 1 lakh through a betting app. The man, identified as Vikram, was a resident of the Kandukur area in the Sangareddy district. Vikram attempted suicide by consuming insecticide on Thursday. Vikram's family saw him taking the extreme step and rushed him to a hospital, where he died early Friday while undergoing treatment.

The police have registered a case and are currently investigating the specific app involved and the transactions made by Vikram.

Pursuit Of "Big Win" Turns Into Tragedy

The police said that Vikram had become addicted to the online betting app in the past few months. In his pursuit of a "big win", he reportedly lost Rs 1 lakh that he allegedly borrowed or managed from family resources. 

Distraught by the financial loss and unable to face his family, the 18-year-old consumed insecticide and died during treatment. Vikram's death is not an isolated event: it is part of a surging trend of financial ruin and mental health crises caused by online betting platforms in Telangana.

Sangareddy District: A Hotspot For Such Cases

The Sangareddy district has become a hotspot for such tragedies. Last month, a 32-year-old police constable named Sandeep committed suicide at Mahabub Sagar Lake after losing a massive sum to online games.

Earlier this year, 31-year-old Akhil took his life in a hotel room after calling his father to confess his heavy betting debts. Recently, the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) released data for this year, revealing a sharp spike in gambling-related distress.

More than 678 official complaints were filed this year regarding online betting, nearly double the 383 reported in 2024.

Victims across Telangana lost a staggering Rs 9.57 crore this year alone. A majority of victims are young men aged 18-30, including students, delivery partners, and even government employees.

CM Reddy Announces SIT To Target Criminals

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to specifically target the "international criminal networks" operating these apps. The state continues to push for a total ban on all forms of digital betting.

In August, the central government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which categorises illegal betting as a severe offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 112 of the BNS now carries a punishment of up to 7 years in prison for organising unauthorised betting.

​Authorities warn that these apps use aggressive marketing, often featuring influencers or offering "sign-up bonuses", to lure users. Once a user loses money, the apps often offer small "recovery wins" to keep them hooked, leading to a vicious cycle of debt and despair.