From borrowed money, Punjab labourer wins Rs 15 million lottery

A labourer from Punjab's Sangrur district has struck it rich after winning a Rs 1.5 crore jackpot with a lottery ticket worth just Rs 200, which he had purchased with borrowed money.

Manoj Kumar, a resident of Mandvi village, could hardly believe his luck when he discovered that his ticket number matched one of the winning numbers announced for the Punjab State Rakhi Bumper 2018 lottery.

The draw was held in Ludhiana on August 29, with two first prizes of Rs 1.5 crore each. Manoj was among the two ticket holders whose numbers won the top prize.

Manoj travelled to Chandigarh on Wednesday and met Punjab's Director of Lotteries, T.P.S. Phoolka, to submit his claim for the prize money. The official assured him that the payment would be processed at the earliest.

"I had borrowed money to purchase the ticket. I had never imagined winning such a big amount in the wildest of dreams," an elated Manoj said.

The unexpected windfall could bring significant relief to Manoj and his family, who had been facing financial difficulties. For a daily-wage worker who had to borrow even the small amount needed to buy the ticket, the jackpot represents a dramatic change in his financial circumstances.

Manoj said he hoped the prize money would help his family overcome its financial problems and provide greater security for the future.