An 18-year-old resident of the Kandukur area in Sangareddy district died by suicide after reportedly losing Rs 1 lakh through an online betting app. The deceased, identified as Vikram, consumed insecticide in an attempt to end his life on December 25 or 26, 2025. Family members witnessed the act and immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries during medical care. Local police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The tragedy highlights the growing concern over online betting addiction among young people in Telangana, where such apps—despite being banned in the state since 2017—continue to lure users through VPNs and unregulated platforms, often leading to severe financial distress and debt traps. Vikram's case comes just weeks after a similar incident in Hyderabad involving a 24-year-old taxi driver named Paladugu Sai, who died by consuming pesticide after accumulating Rs 15 lakh in debts from prolonged online betting over two years. Authorities have noted a pattern of such cases across the region, with multiple suicides linked to betting losses reported throughout 2025, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns.

Telangana police have formed special investigation teams (SITs) in the past to probe online gambling-related deaths, focusing on how these apps exploit vulnerable individuals and lead to psychological breakdown. Reports indicate that young adults, including students and working professionals, frequently borrow from friends, relatives, or loan providers to fuel their habit, only to face insurmountable pressure when losses mount. This latest incident in Sangareddy district, which has seen several betting-related suicides in recent months, underscores the urgent need for intervention to curb the menace of digital gambling and provide support to those affected.

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Authorities have urged families and communities to remain vigilant about signs of addiction and financial strain while emphasizing that online betting remains illegal in the state. Police investigations into Vikram's case are ongoing, with efforts likely to include scrutiny of the specific app involved and any associated financial transactions. Such incidents serve as a grim reminder of the devastating real-world impact of unregulated online gaming and betting platforms, even as efforts continue to block and prosecute promoters.

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