An 18-year-old student from Bangari village under Kudanagari police station limits tragically lost his life after allegedly consuming poison, sparking concerns about the dangers of online gaming addiction among young people.
The deceased, identified as Umakanta Jena, was a bright student pursuing his education at a private college in Bhubaneswar. He had returned home for vacation when the incident occurred. Reports suggest that he was actively engaged in online gaming and may have lost a significant sum of money, leading him to take the extreme step out of fear of his family’s reaction.
Following his consumption of poison, Umakanta was initially rushed to Pattamundai and later referred to Cuttack in critical condition. Unfortunately, he succumbed on the way. His uncle, Sashibhusan Jena, claimed that the young man transferred money from his father’s bank account without his knowledge, and fearing consequences, he took his own life.
The police have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, the incident has ignited a debate on the psychological and financial risks associated with online gaming, particularly for students.
Authorities and social activists urge parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online activities and encourage responsible gaming habits to prevent such tragedies in the future.
