Surge in Kerala Lottery Sales Across Tamil Nadu Borders
Local law enforcement seized over 5,000 illegal tickets in the last 48 hours alone, targeting small shops and undercover agents operating near bus terminals. Since Tamil Nadu banned the sale of paper lotteries in 2003, organized rings have used the proximity to Kerala to smuggle high-stakes tickets to local buyers.
These smugglers often sell the tickets at a 20% markup, preying on low-income individuals looking for quick financial gains. The Coimbatore police have recently formed special task forces to monitor private buses and freight vehicles, which are known for carrying these contraband items.
Interrogations of detained individuals reveal that the smuggling networks operate through a decentralized system of “sub-agents.” These agents distribute tickets to street-level vendors who communicate via encrypted messaging apps to avoid detection.
Despite constant raids, the allure of the Kerala “Bumper” draws, which offer prizes in the millions, keeps the demand high. Police officials noted that the volume of seized tickets has risen by 12% compared to the previous quarter, suggesting that the networks are expanding their reach into rural Coimbatore districts.
Legal Consequences and Regional Enforcement Actions
The Tamil Nadu government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal gambling to prevent financial ruin among vulnerable populations. According to The Hindu, the City Police Commissioner has ordered the permanent sealing of shops found repeatedly selling these illegal tickets. Violators face stiff penalties and imprisonment under the Tamil Nadu Prize Schemes (Prohibition) Act, which bans any lottery-related activity not authorized by the state.
“We are working closely with Kerala border police to identify the primary distributors at the source,” stated a senior officer during a press briefing. Cooperation between the two states remains vital to cutting off the supply chain before the tickets enter Coimbatore city limits.
Beyond physical tickets, authorities are also tracking digital payments linked to these sales to freeze the bank accounts of the kingpins involved. For now, the public is urged to report any suspicious lottery sales to the local helpline as the crackdown continues throughout the week.
