Thuravoor native Sarath Nair wins Rs 25-crore Onam bumper lottery

Kottayam: On Monday, Thuravoor native Sarath S Nair walked to the bank where he held an account for the past 16 years as he would any other day. The 38-year-old walked into the cabin of Sunil N A, the manager of the SBI branch in Thuravoor.

However, what he held in his hand was something that would change in life forever. Without showing even a bit of excitement, Sarath informed the bank manager that he had struck gold in the lottery and simply wanted to get the winning amount credited to his account.

"I told Sarath that I would extend all the help and asked him to give the ticket so that I could keep it in safe custody," said Sunil, who was shocked to learn that the person standing in front of him was the winner of the Rs 25-crore Kerala Thiruvonam bumper lottery .

Sarath, who has been working for Beta Traders and Agencies Pvt Ltd for the past 12 years, used to buy lottery tickets frequently. However, the most recent purchase landed him the bumper prize. Sarath even saved a photo of the lottery ticket on his mobile phone.

"When the results were declared, I was at my workplace. I cross-checked the winning number with the photo of the ticket I had on my mobile," Sarath said.

Initially he kept the matter to himself after which he called up his wife Aparna and confirmed the ticket number. Needing more assurance, he left for his native place on Monday morning and had his brother Ranjith also cross-check the ticket number. Once double checked, Sarath went straight to the bank with his brother.

Sarath lives in a small house with his parents, wife and six-month-old son Agney. Ranjith and his family stay nearby.

Even after securing the massive lottery win, Sarath remains composed. When asked about his plans, Sarath said he won't make any hasty decision. "The family will sit together and decide. Let the money get credited to the account first, and let all the tax formalities get over," he said.

Sarath had bought the ticket from a lottery agent while going to work.