Odia Worker Dies by Suicide in Abu Dhabi Over Casino Debt
A 25-year-old Odia migrant worker in Abu Dhabi reportedly took his life after losing lakhs to an online casino and receiving death threats.
A 25-year-old migrant worker from Odisha has tragically ended his life in Abu Dhabi, reportedly driven to despair after falling into a devastating cycle of online gambling debt.
Babula Nayak, a resident of Kanaka village in the Ganjam district, passed away on October 27, 2026. The incident has highlighted the growing dangers faced by migrant workers regarding unregulated online gambling platforms.
The Online Gambling Trap
Nayak had been working as a fitter at a private company known as HECO since October 2024, having arrived in the UAE through a contractor. According to a complaint filed by his family at the Khallikote police station, Nayak was introduced to an online casino game by an individual from his own village.
The scheme reportedly used a common tactic: providing small, initial winnings to build trust. However, this was followed by massive losses that eventually amounted to several lakhs of rupees. The situation turned critical when the operator allegedly began issuing relentless death threats to Nayak, demanding immediate repayment of the lost funds.
A Family Left in Mourning
Overwhelmed by the financial burden and the threats to his life, Nayak consumed a poisonous substance. His death is a profound blow to his family, as he was the sole breadwinner for his parents, Anatha Nayak and Kamini Nayak.
The family is now calling for urgent intervention from the Ganjam district administration and local police to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the gambling operator.
- Ensure the arrest of the individual responsible for the threats and the scheme.
- Facilitate the swift return of Nayak's mortal remains to India.
Krishna Prasad Pradhan, the block coordinator of the Pravasi Odia Shramik Sahayata Kendra, confirmed that efforts are currently underway to repatriate Nayak's body for his funeral rites. Authorities in Odisha and Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE are expected to coordinate on the ongoing investigation and the repatriation process.