IPL betting debt leaves Balurghat medical representative missing, emotional message to son raises alarm

New Delhi: Deeply burdened by debt and reportedly unable to repay his loans, a 40-year-old man from Balurghat allegedly took an extreme step after battling prolonged mental stress. Before going missing, he sent an emotional message to his son saying, “Stay well. I could not become a good father.” Since then, there has been no trace of him.

The missing man has been identified as Pabitra Sarkar, a medical representative by profession and a resident of the Uttamasha area of Balurghat town.

According to police sources, Sarkar had reportedly accumulated debts of around Rs 5–7 lakh, allegedly due to money spent on IPL betting and online gaming. His family claimed that he had been under considerable mental pressure for some time as he was unable to keep up with his loan instalments.

Sarkar reportedly left home on Friday morning and did not return. Later that night, he sent the message to his son. Family members then tried to contact him. He also spoke to his elder brother over the phone and allegedly told him that he was thinking of ending his life.

The family subsequently informed Balurghat police

Later, Sarkar’s bag, mobile phone and wallet were found near the Atreyee River, close to Saroj Ranjan Setu, raising concerns that he may have entered the river.

Police launched a search operation in the river, with divers being deployed on Saturday. However, no trace of Sarkar was found. The search operation continued late into Saturday night.

Sarkar’s wife, Moutali Raha Sarkar, alleged that had the police started the search earlier, her husband might have been found sooner.

Police said that efforts to locate the missing man are continuing.