Somnath Zende, a sub-inspector from Pimpri-Chinchwad region in Pune, Maharashtra, saw his lucks shine during the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023. The policeman played on fantasy platform Dream11 to rank first in the grand league contest. Out of the total prize pool, Zende won a whopping Rs 1.5 crore.
Upon winning, Zende expressed his will to pay off his debts and other liabilities. Now, after winning, Zende is eligible to withdraw a maximum of Rs 2 lakh per day. Notably, taxes as per latest government policies will also be applicable on his withdrawals.
The policeman saw instant trouble after people questioned his practice to play on the platform, which they consider addictive. In reply, he said that he wasn’t on his work shift while playing Dream11. Also, he said that he was well within the legal boundaries to play Dream11, as the Hon’ble Supreme Court has granted it the statutory status.
According to Pune Mirror, Zende said, “I came across this online game through television advertisements. There are no specific restrictions or laws against playing this game, and I only played it in my off-duty hours. This is the first time I’ve received such a substantial reward.”
People still weren’t satisfied with Zende’s response and labelled the policeman as someone who is promoting gambling. It is, however, worth mentioning that Dream11 and all other fantasy sports are games of skill, while gambling is illegal.
Even politicians entered the argument of the policeman’s win. Amol Thorat from BJP demanded strict action against Zende, while also saying that it is against the ethics to use mobile on duty. Thorat further accused that Zende is clearly promoting gambling, which keeps his and the entire department’s commitment towards duty under bad light.