As a result of a lottery in the United Arab Emirates which is being called the biggest winner in the history of the country, Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh, has become a multi-millionaire overnight. The jackpot, Bolla struck with just a year and a half of his stay in Abu Dhabi- a staggering 100 million dirhams, which is roughly equal to ₹240 crores.
On the 18th of October, the winning moment arrived when he matched all seven numbers in the Lucky Day Draw in the UAE. Life changing event happened when Anil was sitting on his sofa and he was unaware of it, he said: “I was in a daze. I could only think that yes, I won it.”
When Anil was asked to explain his plan, he burst out laughing. He didn’t even have one. “I have not done any magic,” he claimed. “I just selected the Easy Pick.”
The number for which the system had to decide was four but the last one was picked by Anil himself. That number? It was the birthday of his mother.
That sentimental decision turned out to be a moment of history and made him the first person to win the largest lottery in UAE ever. Anilkumar’s journey from a simple life in Andhra Pradesh to becoming a crorepati in the Emirates is something that could only be found in a movie.
The question of ₹240 Crore, is he Going to Pay Tax?
Big winnings are followed by big questions related to taxes. India imposes a heavy tax of 30% on lottery income in addition to a 15% surcharge on winnings above ₹1 crore and a 4% health and education cess, whereas UAE is quite different in this regard.
There is no personal income tax in the United Arab Emirates which means Bolla’s enormous win in the UAE is totally tax-free. But what about Indian tax laws?
Here’s the twist, Bolla has been residing in the UAE for more than 1.5 years which means he qualifies as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) since he spent more than 182 days abroad. According to Indian law, NRIs are not liable to pay tax on foreign income.
Zero Tax. Total Freedom. 100 Million Dirhams in Hand.
So, the lottery winners in India who would lose nearly ₹85 crore to taxes, are in the case of Bolla, this is what he walks away with every single rupee. No tax deductions. No hidden costs. Just pure, life-changing wealth.
The young man from Andhra Pradesh has not only done what seemed impossible, he has outsmarted the tax authorities. From his mother's fortunate birthday number to a tax-free windfall, it is a dream that very few dare to dream and even fewer get to live.
