Vijayawada: Unable to cope with mounting debts from cricket betting, a 30-year-old man ended his life at Ayyappanagar Nehru Road here on Thursday night.
According to Patamata circle inspector V Pawan Kishore, the deceased was identified as Illa Lokesh. He was an electrical engineer, and lived with his parents. Over time, Lokesh became addicted to cricket betting and hence, landed in deep financial trouble. In an attempt to recover his losses, he borrowed money from multiple lenders. However, as his losses continued to pile up, he found himself under immense pressure from those seeking repayment.
On the day of the incident, Lokesh reportedly told his mother that he wanted to eat semiya upma. His mother stepped out of the house to buy groceries to prepare the dish. Later, when she returned, she was shocked to find her son hanging from a ceiling fan in his room. His family alerted the police.
A case was registered, and an investigation is underway. Police are looking into the extent of Lokesh’s financial distress and whether any external pressure contributed to his extreme decision.
The cops have urged citizens, especially youth, to seek help if facing financial or emotional distress. They also cautioned against the dangers and long-term consequences of illegal betting.
