Dimapur Police warns against illegal lottery schemes

Published on May 2, 2025

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.