Somnath Zende, an Indian police officer serving as a police sub-inspector in Maharashtra’s Pune district, found himself suspended from duty after winning a substantial prize of 15 million Indian rupees ($180,310) on the fantasy sports platform, Dream 11. His suspension was enacted on allegations of violating the police code of conduct.
The department’s claims centered on playing the game without official permission and conducting media interviews while in uniform. However, Zende denied these allegations and is set to undergo a departmental inquiry to address the matter.
Zende had recently started participating in games on Dream 11 and secured his significant prize on October 10 during a game related to the Cricket World Cup in India.
Dream 11 classifies itself as a “game of skill” and refers to a 2021 Supreme Court ruling, which upholds its exemption from India’s gambling laws. This is a significant distinction since gambling is generally illegal in India, yet proponents in the gaming industry argue that skill-based games like Dream 11 differ from traditional gambling.
The platform allows users aged 18 and above to create virtual teams for sports such as cricket, hockey, football, and basketball, using real-life players’ names to earn points based on their actual performances.
Zende’s media interviews conducted in his police uniform raised concerns about the image of the state’s police force. A member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Zende of betting while on duty, categorizing it as a “dereliction of duty.”
However, the suspended police officer refuted these allegations, asserting that the game is a form of sport rather than gambling. He intended to utilize his winnings to settle a housing loan and establish fixed deposit accounts for his children.
Zende will have the opportunity to present his case during the impending departmental inquiry.
