Kerala’s online betting scam shocker: Students lose lakhs, escape under threat

Kozhikode: Authorities have raised serious concerns after three Plus One students from Thamarassery reportedly fled to Bengaluru under pressure from individuals who had funded their online betting activities. The disturbing trend came to light during recent counselling sessions conducted by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

During counselling, it was revealed that the students had become involved in online betting, with several adults allegedly financing their activities. When the teens lost huge amounts of money, they reportedly felt compelled to escape to Bengaluru, fearing backlash from those who had lent them money.

Two of the students, who were classmates at the same tuition centre, initially claimed they had gone to Bengaluru and returned safely. However, deeper investigation revealed that one of them had lost ₹2.5 lakh in online betting, with financial transactions from at least 15 different adults traced to his account. These findings have been formally submitted to the police in a report by the Child Welfare Committee.

In a worrying development, a third Plus One student from Thamarassery was found to have lost ₹25,000 to online betting just days after the previous cases. The student has since been moved to the Government Children’s Home in Vellimadukunnu for safety and rehabilitation.

Authorities have also received information that these students had occasionally travelled to Bengaluru in the past. Investigations may now explore whether they came into contact with drug networks during those visits.

There is growing fear that the students may still be under threat from the adults who financed their gambling losses.