- DIMAPUR — Dimapur
Police has cautioned that online and offline lottery schemes, especially by
second-hand car dealers and real estate agents, are a direct violation of
existing government standing orders and regulatory legal frameworks.
- In a press release on friday, Commissioner of Police,
Kevithuto Sophie, stated that there is an alarming increase in the prevalence
of both online and offline lottery schemes being conducted by second-hand car
dealers and real estate agents, particularly in Dimapur, Chümoukidema and
Niuland districts.
- “Recent investigation has revealed that a growing number of
businesses in the second-hand car and real estate sectors are engaging in
unauthorised lottery-style promotional schemes under the guise of ‘lucky
draws’, ‘bumper offers’, etc.
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- “These activities are being used to lure unsuspecting
customers, create artificial hype and manipulate an individual's purchasing
decisions—practices that are not only deceptive but also illegal under current
laws regulating games of chance and public lotteries,” the release stated.
- It also informed that despite several targeted actions
initiated against defaulters by the police, such unscrupulous activities
continue unabated.
- Urging the general public to remain vigilant and report any
such activities to the police, the CP also advised business establishments,
real estate agents, organisations, unions and individuals to immediately cease
such activities to avoid legal consequences.
- It may be mentioned that the state government has banned the
sale of badges, coupons and calendars other than those sponsored by the
government. Additionally, conduct of lotteries has been banned, except with
permission from the government.
- “Further, in order to effectively check such illegal
activities, it is urged to all the media houses, including print, electronic,
digital and social media, not to advertise/promote such illegal activities, as
it shall attract legal consequences,” the release added.
