DGP Urges Cops to Stay Away From Online Betting, Seek Help Over Debts

Hyderabad:Director-General of Police C. V. Anand on Thursday urged the state’s 93,000 police personnel to stay away from online betting and gaming and never consider suicide as a solution to financial or personal problems. In a message on the World Suicide Prevention Day, the DGP said incidents of police personnel taking their own lives after becoming trapped in online betting and debts were a matter of concern. Anand said two police personnel died by suicide in the past four months, adding that it was particularly distressing as both were young or middle-aged constables.

According to inquiries into the incidents, large debts, incurred through online betting, were found to be a major reason. Some personnel had sold land, while others borrowed from friends and colleagues or took loans at high interest, he said. Anand also added that the pressure from lenders to repay money pushed some personnel into severe mental distress. Concealing financial problems and debt details even from spouses and family members further aggravates the situation.

Anand urged police personnel facing financial difficulties to openly discuss them with family members and seek assistance from senior officers rather than suffering silently.

“Addictions should be avoided and family should be prioritised,” the DGP said, urging police personnel to stay away not only from betting and online gaming but also alcohol, drugs, ganja and other harmful addictions. He said the department was paying special attention to problems faced by its personnel and encouraged them to approach authorities whenever they needed help.

Appealing to personnel not to leave their families and children behind in distress, Anand urged them to think about those dependent on them and choose to live courageously while seeking support during difficult times.