Youth ends life after losing money in online betting games

A 20-year-old youth allegedly ended his life after incurring heavy losses from online betting on Monday (January 05, 2026) in Annamayya district.

According to the Madanapalle sub-division police, the deceased was identified as Reddy Shekhar (20), a resident of Kotaguttapalle hamlet in Siddavaram village of Peddamandem mandal. After completing his Intermediate education, he remained at home without employment.

Police said that the deceased became addicted to online betting games which he accessed through his mobile phone. Over a period of time, he reportedly lost money amounting to several lakhs of rupees. Unable to repay the accumulated debts and under severe mental stress, he allegedly took the extreme step.

Based on a complaint from his parents, the police registered a case. The body was shifted to the government hospital mortuary in Madanapalle for post-mortem.

(Persons having suicidal thoughts or in distress may ‘Dial 100’ for help).