Indian police officer suspended after winning big in online gaming

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INDIA, Oct 21, (Agencies): An Indian police official found himself suspended from duty after securing 15 million rupees ($180,310) on a fantasy sports platform. Somnath Zende, a police sub-inspector based in Pune, Maharashtra, won this sum while participating in Dream 11, an online fantasy league. Authorities claimed he breached the police code of conduct and suspended him accordingly, while Zende contested these allegations. His suspension arose from playing the game without proper authorization and providing media interviews while wearing his police uniform. The Pune police department defended their decision, while Zende asserted that he was being treated unfairly.

Zende shared that he started playing games on Dream 11 only last month, and his big win came on October 10 during a match between Bangladesh and England in the ongoing Cricket World Cup in India. Dream 11 categorizes itself as a “game of skill” and references a 2021 Supreme Court ruling to establish its exemption from India’s gambling law. Although gambling is generally prohibited in India, proponents of the gaming industry argue that skill-based online gaming differs from gambling, emphasizing the role of skill over chance. The app boasts endorsements from well-known figures like cricketer MS Dhoni and Bollywood actors.

Dream 11 offers users over the age of 18 the opportunity to participate in sports like cricket, hockey, football, and basketball online. Users create virtual teams composed of real-life players and earn points based on their real-world performance. Zende’s win generated attention after he appeared in his police uniform during media interviews, leading to allegations of misconduct. Arnold Thorat, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which holds power in Maharashtra, called for action against Zende, accusing him of “betting” and playing the game while on duty.

Zende denied playing the game during working hours and maintained that many police officials also partake in the game, emphasizing its sporting nature. He expressed his intentions to use the winnings to pay off a housing loan and establish fixed deposit accounts for his children. Zende’s case will be reviewed during a departmental inquiry, where he will have an opportunity to present his side. The police department will determine its course of action after receiving the inquiry committee’s report.

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