Odia Worker Dies by Suicide in Abu Dhabi After Gambling Extortion
A 25-year-old Odia migrant worker in Abu Dhabi died by suicide after facing extortion and death threats from an online gambling operator.
A tragic incident involving an Odia migrant worker suicide in Abu Dhabi has surfaced, where a 25-year-old man reportedly took his own life following intense extortion and death threats linked to an online gambling scheme.
The Gambling Trap
The victim, identified as Babula Nayak, was a resident of Kanaka village in the Khallikote block of Odisha. He had traveled to the United Arab Emirates in October 2024 to work as a fitter for a private firm called HECO. As the sole breadwinner for his parents, Anatha and Kamini Nayak, he was responsible for supporting his entire family.
According to reports, Nayak became involved in an online casino game after being introduced to it by a youth from his home village. While he initially experienced small wins, the situation quickly turned into a financial catastrophe. Nayak reportedly suffered massive losses totaling several lakhs of rupees.
Extortion and Death Threats
The financial crisis escalated when the gambling operator allegedly began targeting Nayak for the lost money. The operator reportedly subjected the young man to persistent demands for repayment and issued explicit death threats. Faced with these overwhelming pressures while working far from home, Nayak consumed a poisonous substance on October 27, 2026.
Investigation and Repatriation Efforts
Following the tragedy, the victim's family has filed a formal complaint at the Khallikote police station. They are calling for a full police investigation and the arrest of the individual responsible for managing the online gambling operation.
Krishna Prasad Pradhan, representing the Pravasi Odia Shramik Sahayata Kendra, confirmed that efforts are currently being coordinated between the Odisha authorities and Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE. These efforts aim to facilitate the repatriation of Nayak's mortal remains to Odisha so his family can perform his last rites.
The incident has been highlighted by various news outlets as a stark example of the dangers posed by unregulated online betting schemes, which frequently exploit vulnerable migrant workers.