Hyderabad: Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) C. V. Anand, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Telangana cadre, has cautioned police personnel against online betting after departmental inquiries into the deaths of two personnel reportedly found betting-related debt to be a major factor in the cases.
The warning came on World Suicide Prevention Day, as the DGP urged police personnel facing financial, personal or emotional difficulties to seek help rather than turn to online betting or other addictive activities.
DGP Urges Personnel to Stay Away From Online Betting
Anand said it was distressing to see young and middle-aged constables lose their lives after getting trapped in financial difficulties allegedly linked to online betting.
He stressed that suicide is not a solution and urged personnel to seek support during difficult times.
“Live with courage and protect your family from lifelong pain,” he appealed to the police force.
The DGP advised police personnel to:
- Stay away from online betting and gaming platforms involving financial stakes.
- Seek assistance when facing financial difficulties.
- Speak to colleagues, senior officers or available counselling services when experiencing distress.
- Avoid allowing financial problems to escalate without seeking timely support.
The warning comes amid growing concerns within the police department over online betting and its potential financial and psychological consequences.
Telangana Police Strengthens Counselling Support
The Telangana Police has been focusing on personnel welfare and early intervention for officers and constables dealing with stress, financial difficulties or personal problems.
The department operates Mitra counselling centres, which provide support to personnel facing work-related stress, family issues and other personal challenges.
The DGP has directed officers to ensure that personnel in distress are encouraged to use these counselling services and receive timely support.
Anand has also previously directed police officials to conduct awareness programmes aimed at preventing personnel from falling victim to online betting, drug abuse and other addictive behaviours.
The department has emphasised counselling and medical assistance as important tools for addressing such problems, rather than relying solely on disciplinary measures.
Suicide Prevention to Remain Police Welfare Priority
The DGP has called for greater vigilance among commanding officers and colleagues to identify behavioural or emotional changes among personnel and intervene at an early stage.
The department has been asked to strengthen psychological support and counselling mechanisms as part of its efforts to prevent suicides among police personnel.
The latest appeal forms part of the Telangana Police’s broader focus on personnel welfare as the force deals with emerging challenges such as online betting, cybercrime and other technology-driven offences.
