Fresh allegations have surfaced against Srivaikuntam MLA Annai VG Saravanan of Joseph Vijay’s TVK, that he is linked to an extensive network involved in the sale of Nagaland-based lottery products through hundreds of WhatsApp groups across Tamil Nadu.
The allegations emerge amid continuing controversy surrounding the MLA, who is reportedly behind the gang-rape of a TVK Women’s Wing cadre by two other cadre of the same party who have been accused of luring her under the pretext of getting her a job as suggested by this MLA.
According to the allegations, the delay in action against Saravanan is allegedly linked to concerns that a deeper investigation could expose a much larger network connected to the lottery business.
It is alleged that Saravanan did not secure his political rise solely through his association with TVK founder C. Joseph Vijay but also enjoyed the backing of a network linked to lottery baron Santiago Martin, his wife Leema Rose, and individuals associated with TVK Minister Aadhav Arjuna.
Massive WhatsApp-Based Lottery Network?
According to the allegations, more than 500 WhatsApp groups are allegedly being used to facilitate the sale of “two-number” and “three-number” lottery schemes.
The lotteries are said to operate under the “Dear” brand, including products such as Dear Rise, Dear Shine, Dear Spark, Dear Star, Dear Victory, Dear Vision, Dear Wish, Dear Legend, Dear Prestige, Dear Regal, Dear Supreme, Dear Crown, Dear Elite, Dear Empire, Dear Clover, Dear Destiny, Dear Dream, Dear Fame, Dear Horizon, Dear Lucky and Dear Magic.
It is alleged that many of these lottery products originate from Nagaland and claim that the “Dear Lottery” brand is controlled by business interests linked to Martin and Leema Rose.
It is further alleged that draws are conducted at multiple times during the day, including 1 PM, 6 PM and 8 PM, with participants betting small sums in hopes of winning significantly larger prizes.
ஸ்ரீவைகுண்டம் தவெக எம்எல்ஏ சரவணன் கைது செய்யப்பட வேண்டும் என அனைத்து கட்சிகளும் குரல் கொடுத்தும் விஜய் அரசு தயக்கம் காட்ட ஒரே காரணம் இங்கே இந்த whatsapp பாருங்கள் உங்களுக்கு இவன் யார் என்பது கொஞ்சம் புரியலாம்.
இது எல்லாமே TVK சரணவன் நடத்தும் குரூப். இது இரண்டு நம்பர் 3 நம்பர்… pic.twitter.com/vKneKeja8a— Maridhas (@MaridhasAnswers) June 11, 2026
How They Mint Money Through WhatsApp Lottery
Every day, these WhatsApp lottery groups run multiple draws with “Dear” brand tickets from Nagaland.
Small bets from thousands of people are collected through hundreds of WhatsApp groups. Very few actually win, and the operators walk away with massive profits.
At 1 PM (First Show), they promote lotteries like Dear Rise, Dear Shine, Dear Spark, Dear Star, Dear Victory, Dear Vision, and Dear Wish.You bet just ₹10 on a 2-number lottery. If you win, you are promised ₹15,000.
The real trick is in the numbers. They create big groups and sub-groups. In one main group of 500 people, they get 6–8 people to act as agents and bring in more players. This way, they easily collect money from around 12,500 people, which means ₹1.25 lakh in just one round. After paying the few winners, the operators can make nearly ₹1 lakh profit per draw.
Alleged Collections Running Into Lakhs Daily
It is alleged that the lottery operations function through a network of group administrators, agents and sub-agents spread across districts such as Erode, Salem and Namakkal.
According to the allegations, each WhatsApp group attracts multiple participants who place small bets. The cumulative collections from hundreds of groups allegedly generate substantial revenues every day.
Reportedly, a single draw can generate collections running into several lakhs of rupees, while multiple draws conducted throughout the day could result in daily collections ranging between ₹50 lakh and ₹80 lakh.
It is further alleged that the lottery business extends beyond officially declared sales figures and operates through a large informal network.
Questions Raised Over Money Trail
It is alleged that proceeds from the lottery operations are routed through various bank accounts and companies before being consolidated.
In such a case, investigators should examine whether funds generated through the lottery network were subsequently converted into legitimate assets and businesses.
It is noteworthy that if authorities register a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the alleged lottery activities, it could potentially pave the way for financial investigations into the movement of funds.
Additionally, any investigation into the lottery operations could have implications for individuals beyond Saravanan. Once FIR is filed, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can make its way in to examine the alleged financial transactions connected to the lottery network and investigate the money trail.
If evidence of financial irregularities emerges from a predicate offence; central agencies could subsequently examine whether any proceeds were laundered through corporate entities or other channels.
It is noteworthy that the victim of the Thoothukudi gang-rape case has mentioned about TVK MLA from Srivaikuntam was involved in the sale of illegal lottery tickets.
She further alleged that seven months ago, a man named Bala promised her a commission for facilitating sales for the lottery business run by MLA Saravanan. She said she refused, knowing lotteries are illegal in Tamil Nadu, and stopped communicating with him.
According to the victim, seven months later, she saw Bala again during election duty. She said he told her he had arranged a job for her through Saravanan’s lottery shop, acknowledging her debt. And it was on this journey that she was sexually assaulted by the other TVK functionaries.
The allegations against Saravanan go beyond the gang-rape case and point to a bigger network. He is believed to have received strong backing from the powerful Martin lottery family.
TVK Minister Aadhav Arjuna is married to Daisy Martin, daughter of lottery baron Santiago Martin and Leema Rose. This direct family connection links Aadhav to the Martin family’s vast lottery operations — including the “Dear” brand lotteries sold through WhatsApp groups.
Saravanan’s alleged WhatsApp lottery racket is suspected to be operating in alignment with this larger ecosystem. Any serious investigation could expose financial links between Saravanan’s operations and the Martin family empire, which is why there is hesitation in taking strong action against him.
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