Hyderabad: Telangana 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 primary factor in the cases.
The warning came on World Suicide Prevention Day, as the DGP urged personnel facing financial or personal difficulties to seek support instead of turning to online betting or other addictive activities.
DGP Urges Personnel to Stay Away From Betting
Anand said it was distressing to see young and middle-aged constables losing their lives after getting caught in financial difficulties linked to online betting.
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The DGP said suicide was not a solution.
“Live with courage and protect your family from lifelong pain,” he appealed the force.
He urged police personnel to:
- Stay away from online betting and gaming platforms involving financial stakes.
- Seek help when facing financial difficulties.
- Speak to colleagues, seniors or available counselling services when dealing with distress.
- Avoid allowing financial problems to escalate without seeking support.
The DGP’s 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 emphasising personnel welfare and early intervention for officers and constables experiencing stress or personal difficulties.
The department has Mitra counselling centres, which the DGP has directed officers to use to provide timely counselling to personnel facing work-related stress, family problems or other personal challenges.
Anand has also previously directed police officers to conduct awareness programmes to prevent personnel from falling prey to online betting, drug abuse and other addictive behaviours, with an emphasis on counselling and medical assistance rather than relying only on disciplinary action.
Suicide Prevention to Remain a Police Welfare Priority
The DGP has called for greater vigilance among commanding officers and colleagues to identify behavioural changes among personnel and intervene at an early stage.
The department has been instructed to strengthen psychological support and counselling mechanisms as part of efforts to prevent suicides among police personnel.
The latest appeal adds to the Telangana Police’s broader focus on personnel welfare as the force confronts emerging challenges including online betting, cybercrime and other technology-driven offences.
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