Ranchi, Nov. 27: When Sugnu Mahto (40) leaves for work in the morning, he is a far cry from the man who returns in the evening to beat up his wife over trivial issues.

A gambler, his children are not spared from the violence either. But Mahto is not alone.

The Family Counselling Centre, Morabadi, where Mahto’s case is registered, has received around 40 cases in the past three years from both middle and lower income sections of the society. Among all the cases received — domestic violence, property, dowry or marriage trouble — the officials said that the highest number are of cases related to liquor consumption and gambling. Every week, the centre registers three to four such complaints.

Centre counsellor Deepak Kumar Bhagat said: “During counselling, we have noticed that liquor consumption is a stress-buster after a hard day’s work.

The most astonishing is when they also beat up their parents for the sake of property. Some also waste not only their own money but also their wives’ entire savings in gambling.”

As part of the counselling session, Bhagat said that they conduct a series of sessions to bring their clients to lead a normal life.