Thiruvananthapuram: The state mulls to check squandering away of youth, time and money – an addictive passtime being indulged by many with menacing risks including suicide. The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a media briefing said, the govt will consider amendments to existing law for curtailing online gaming,
Online Rummy is plunging people into debts and driving growing numbers to end their lives. Taking into account, the gravity of the situation, there was amendment made to the Kerala Gaming Act in 2021. Putting up money for online gaming thus became banned. However the High Court scrapped the amendment based on petitions from gaming companies.The govt appeal against the verdict is currently in front of court.
Meanwhile, sizeable number of people are facing threats and blackmail from online firms that lend money to fund rummy addiction, of whom several are on the verge of commiting suicide.
Celebrities are being flaunted as poster boy/girl for attracting people into rummy addiction. It’s a relief that at least some among these celebrities have pulled themselves out. Police are meanwhile pursuing strict action against varied online frauds and cyber crimes, said CM.
