Udupi man wins ₹49 crore in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket draw

Abu Dhabi Big Ticket draw with UAE skyline and lottery ticket

Udupi man wins ₹49 crore in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket draw

A young man from Udupi district in Karnataka has won 20 million UAE dirhams (approximately ₹49 crore) in Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket lottery draw. The winning number was announced during a live, publicly broadcast draw held in Abu Dhabi, making the result immediately verifiable to viewers and participants.

The development is significant because it highlights the growing participation of Indian expatriates in regulated overseas lottery schemes and raises questions about prize sharing, remittance, taxation, and financial planning for sudden windfalls. It has also drawn attention in Udupi, where the winner’s family resides.

Verified facts and timeline

• Winner: Shantanu Shettigar, originally from Mattu in Katapadi, Kapu taluk, Udupi district.

• Prize: 20 million UAE dirhams (around ₹49 crore).

• Event: Abu Dhabi Big Ticket draw, conducted live.

• Participation: Ticket purchased jointly with a friend.

Official and procedural context

The Big Ticket draw is conducted in Abu Dhabi and overseen by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism through licensed operators.

The winning number was declared in a live telecast, a standard procedure designed to ensure transparency.

Legal and financial clarity

Lottery winnings earned abroad are generally subject to Indian tax laws when remitted to India, though exact liability depends on residency status and applicable treaties.

Financial planners typically advise gradual financial planning, professional tax advice, and secure remittance channels for large prizes.

Public relevance

Many Indians in the Gulf participate in similar draws; this case is likely to renew discussions on financial literacy and risk management.

Local communities in Udupi have welcomed the news, as the winner is a well-known resident of the Mattu area.

Who is the winner

Shantanu Shettigar hails from Mattu village in Katapadi, Kapu taluk of Udupi district. His family continues to reside in the same area, which is known for its close-knit community.

At the time of the draw, Shantanu was working in the retail sector in Oman, specifically in a sales role. Like many expatriates, he had moved abroad for employment opportunities.

He purchased the winning ticket jointly with a friend, a common practice among migrant workers to share both the cost and potential reward.

Following the result, Shantanu stated that he intends to share the prize with his friend, though the exact division has not been publicly detailed.

About the Big Ticket draw

Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket is a licensed prize draw that offers a major jackpot along with multiple smaller prizes in each round.

The draw is conducted live, with numbers selected in a transparent process that is streamed to ticket holders and the public.

Tickets can be purchased by residents and visitors in the UAE, as well as by expatriates through official channels.

The scheme is regulated under UAE laws governing prize promotions, which require clear rules, public disclosure, and formal announcement of winners.

What happens next

Winners typically complete verification procedures with the operator before prize disbursement. This includes identity confirmation and documentation.

If the money is transferred to India, it will go through banking channels, where compliance checks and tax reporting may apply.

Shantanu has not yet publicly outlined how he plans to use the money, saying only that he has shared the news with his family.

What is confirmed vs. what is not yet clear

Officially confirmed: Shantanu Shettigar’s win of 20 million dirhams in the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket draw, and his joint ticket purchase with a friend.

Not yet publicly detailed: The exact percentage of prize sharing with his friend, the mode of remittance, and any tax arrangements.

Disclosure

This report is based on publicly announced results of the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket live draw and information about the winner’s background from local sources in Udupi. Details related to prize disbursement and taxation may evolve as official procedures are completed.

Expert / Legal Clarification

A tax policy analyst explains that Indian residents receiving foreign lottery winnings may be liable to tax in India under the Income Tax Act, depending on residency status and applicable double taxation agreements.

Financial experts generally recommend professional legal and tax advice before transferring or investing such a large sum.