HT Correspondent
DIMAPUR, May 2: Dimapur Commissioner of Police Kevithuto Sophie on Friday said there have been reports of an alarming increase in both offline and online lottery schemes, particularly in the districts of Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland, in direct violation of existing government standing orders and regulatory legal frameworks.
These schemes are reportedly being run especially by second-hand car dealers and real estate agents, Sophie said in a release.
Related Posts:
He said a recent investigation revealed that a growing number of businesses in these sectors are engaging in unauthorised lottery-style promotional schemes under the guise of “lucky draws,”“bumper offers,” and similar tactics.
Sophie further claimed that these activities are being used to lure unsuspecting customers, create artificial hype, and manipulate purchasing decisions.
“These practices are not only deceptive but also illegal under current laws regulating games of chance and public lotteries,” he said.
Despite several targeted actions initiated against the defaulters by the police, such unscrupulous activities continue unabated, he noted.
Sophie urged the public to remain vigilant and report such activities to the police.
He also called on business establishments, real estate agents, organisations, unions, and individuals to immediately cease such activities to avoid legal consequences.
The state government has banned the sale of badges, coupons, and calendars, except those it sponsors.
It has also banned the conduct of lotteries without its explicit permission.
To effectively check these illegal activities, the police have urged all media houses—including print, electronic, digital, and social media—not to advertise or promote such schemes, warning that doing so could attract legal consequences.
