India, the most populated nation in the world, could be about to ban online betting apps. And it seems some people in the Asian country might not be very happy about it.
The nation’s Supreme Court is considering a ban off the back of litigation filed by an evangelist and politician. Dr K.A. Paul filed litigation with the aim of protecting the youth and vulnerable in India from the harms of online gambling.
Paul, and other co-plaintiffs, are urging politicians to take action, highlighting the many celebrities who advertise these illegal apps, an issue currently under investigation. The litigation, which has prompted the Supreme Court to begin a process of consultations, also cited multiple instances of suicide over betting debts.
urged Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to provide him with security
Now, Paul claims he was almost kidnapped by “goons” over the weekend in Delhi. In a video posted to X on Sunday, he urged Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to provide him with security:
He said the attempted kidnapping incident took around 20 minutes before “finally they started running.” Paul claims the attempt was in relation to his work fighting betting apps, which are “destroying millions of lives and killing thousands of people.”
The litigation filed by Paul also claims betting companies are trying to get around laws by advertising as fantasy sports apps and skill-based games. Supreme Court justices have reached out to the likes of Google and Apple regarding these issues, in addition to the Reserve Bank of India and other entities.
Goa, Daman, and Sikkim are the only three Indian states with regulated online gaming markets currently.
