'Demands ranging from bike to Rs 25 lakhs, some cry over phone': Anoop says he can't change his mobile number for one reason

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even after winning the Onam bumper of Rs 25 crores on September 18, Anoop is sad. He is troubled by people coming home and calling on the phone asking for financial aid. He has now grown tired of answering them. He has not received the prize money yet but no one is ready to believe that. Tired of all his, he now lives in a relative's house.

Anoop's mother Ambika is at another relative's house. His wife Maya and son Advait are with her parents. "I can't even take my two-and-a-half-year-old son to the hospital. People will come there asking for help. It would have been better if I hadn't won the lottery", Anoop said.

"When the phone rings incessantly, how long can you ignore it... the calls are from different parts of Kerala. If you pick up the phone, some open up about their problems in an emotional manner", he added.

Demands up to 25 lakhs

"I took a loan for my daughter's wedding with the mortgage of my house and it became a huge debt. I'm in desperate need of atleast Rs 25 lakhs.", Anoop receives many such over the phone. There are people who have sent letters many times with phone number and address and bank details asking him to give Rs 25 lakhs. There are others who come directly with the mortgage documents, medical documents etc. A 32-year-old from Attingal, who works for online food delivery company Swiggy, asked Anoop to buy him a Royal Enfield bullet. Another person demanded an 'Ape' truck.

Anoop is unable to change his phone number as it is linked to his bank accounts. "I want to help everyone. In any case, let the prize money get credited in my account", he added.