Indian-Origin Man Arrested for Stealing $1 Million Lottery Ticket in the US
In a surprising turn of events, Meer Patel, a 23-year-old Indian-origin man, found himself at the center of a lottery scandal. Here’s how it unfolded:
- The Gas Station Heist:
- Patel worked at a petrol bunk (gas station) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
- A customer purchased two lottery tickets and handed them to Patel for scanning.
- Patel allegedly told the customer that one ticket had won a smaller amount, paid him $40, and discarded the other ticket.
- From Trash to Treasure:
- After the customer left, Patel retrieved the discarded ticket from the trash.
- He scratched off the hidden part and discovered that it was a $1 million winner.
- The Celebration and Suspicion:
- Patel wasted no time. He took the ticket to the lottery office, hoping to claim his newfound fortune.
- However, lottery staff became suspicious, and investigators reviewed security footage from the petrol bunk.
- The video showed Patel celebrating after scratching off the front of the ticket and realizing its value.
- The Arrest and the Lucky Winner:
- The state lottery investigators promptly seized the evidence.
- Meanwhile, detectives identified the rightful owner of the ticket and informed him of his unexpected windfall.
- The lucky winner had no idea he was a millionaire until the authorities contacted him.
- Life-Changing Money:
- The buyer’s life took an incredible turn. “That is life-changing money,” said Detective Steve Craig.
- Patel, on the other hand, faced legal consequences and was arrested for theft.
In summary, a seemingly insignificant lottery ticket hidden in the trash led to a million-dollar drama. Remember, luck can strike unexpectedly—even in the most unlikely places!