Paytm CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, has expressed surprise over the removal from Google Playstore over alleged violation of gambling policies.

"We are surprised that Paytm app has been taken off from the Google Playstore. Getting a scratch card and getting a cashback is the violation and they have called it gambling," explained Sharma.

Google in its statement said, "We do not allow casino's or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting, this includes if an app leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prices, it is a violation of our policies."

Paytm has tweeted updating its users that the app is temporarily unavailable on Google Playstore for new downloads or updates. It has also assured its users that their money is completely safe and they can continue to use the Paytm app as normal.

CNBC-TV18 has learnt that Google had, in fact, notified Paytm developers a few days back on this issue and is in constant touch with them regarding the issue and is trying to work with Paytm to make sure that they can come back up on the Playstore.

To discuss the developments in detail, Megha Vishwanath spoke to Vijay Shekhar Sharma CEO of Paytm.

First Published:Sept 18, 2020 6:41 PM IST