Online gaming addiction has once again resulted in the suicide of a young man in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. The victim who is identified as Ramu, took his own life in desperation due to online gambling debts. His death has sparked outrage among the public, prompting Anbumani Ramadoss, the leader of the Pattali Makkal Katchi, to demand immediate government intervention, reported Tamil Samayam.
Ramu worked as a food supplier from Tiruttani. He borrowed Rs. 10 lakhs from various sources but was unable to repay the debt, and resorted to extreme measures. He ended his life by drowning in a well in Arakkonam. His family and friends expressed profound grief and condolences.
At the age of 38, Ramu was overburdened by debt, leading him to become addicted to the world of online gambling. Although he tried to break free from this cycle, he was drawn back, and he succumbed to the appeal of easy money. Ramu’s death raises important questions about the regulation of online gaming platforms.
The incident has again reignited calls for stringent measures to regulate online gaming, from PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss. He has repeatedly sought action against this issue in Tamil Nadu, where the absence of government action has been criticized. Anbumani Ramadoss has insisted that the Tamil Nadu government must take immediate measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He stressed the need for positive measures to protect people from falling prey to online gaming addiction, reported Tamil.oneindia.
In response to mounting pressure, the Chennai High Court issued a landmark verdict on November 10th last year. The death of Ramu is the sixth case of suicide attributed to online gaming addiction.
The Supreme Court will be closed for summer vacation on May 20th 2024. Online rummy cannot be banned till July unless an interim stay is obtained from the Madras High Court judgment by then. There is hope that the judiciary will force the Tamil Nadu government to enact measures to prevent further loss of life due to online gaming addiction.
