The Kinathukadavu police arrested a 22-year-old youth, V Thennarasu, for allegedly running a lottery scam, collecting money from people for “high probability” three-digit lottery tickets, and taking a commission from winners.
Police identified Thennarasu from Sakkimangalam, Madurai district, after spotting him at Kinathukadavu bus stand acting suspiciously. When questioned, he reportedly gave contradictory answers. A search of his travel bag revealed a portable printer and xerox copies of three-digit lottery tickets.
Further investigation showed that Thennarasu was the admin of multiple WhatsApp and Telegram groups focused on lottery tips. He charged membership fees, made videos suggesting winning numbers, and asked members to buy those tickets. He also allegedly collected a 10–20% commission from those who won using his predictions and defrauded others of significant sums.
Thennarasu was booked under Sections 318(4) and 336(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 66 of the IT Act, and Sections 5 and 7(3) of the Lotteries Regulation Act. He was sent to judicial custody the same night.
