PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has questioned the Tamil Nadu government’s priorities, asking whether it is a government committed to protecting its people or promoting online rummy companies.In a press release, Anbumani condemned the tragic suicide of Akash, a young man from Chinnamalai in Saidapet, Chennai, who reportedly ended his life after losing a substantial amount of money to online rummy. Highlighting the repeated efforts of PMK in campaigning against online gambling, he pointed out that despite two bans on online gambling, the state government’s inability to defend these bans in court has led to the proliferation of such platforms.
“The failure of the Tamil Nadu government to effectively justify the ban in court has pushed lakhs of families into an irrecoverable debt trap due to online gambling,” Anbumani stated.
He emphasized that preventing families from falling into poverty and averting suicides caused by gambling addiction should be the primary responsibility of any government. However, he alleged that the Tamil Nadu government’s inaction gives the impression that it is supporting online rummy companies rather than protecting its citizens.
“Is the Tamil Nadu government one that protects its people or one that fosters the growth of online rummy companies? It is difficult to tell,” he remarked.
Referring to the alarming trend, Anbumani noted that 17 people have died by suicide after losing money to online gambling. He demanded to know how many more lives the government would allow to be lost before taking decisive action.
Anbumani urged the Tamil Nadu government to act swiftly, wake up from its complacency, and expedite the case related to banning online gambling in the Supreme Court. He insisted that the government should take all necessary steps to secure a permanent ban on online gambling to safeguard families from further tragedies.