TV
A 20-year-old youth allegedly took his own life on Friday, reportedly due to an addiction to online gaming. The deceased has been identified as Anand Mirdha, a resident of Keertania village in Bhogarai under Balasore district.
Anand had been playing the popular mobile game Free Fire for nearly a year. His family had objected to his continued gameplay, which is believed to have contributed to his decision to end his life by hanging himself from a tree. The police have recovered the body and initiated an investigation. However, no official statements have been issued by either the family or the police as yet.
According to preliminary inquiries, Anand’s suicide is suspected to be linked to opposition from his mother and other family members regarding his gaming habits. Additionally, it is reported that Anand was demanding a new phone, which the family did not provide; this is also being considered as a possible factor for the youth taking this drastic step.
Rising Toll of Gaming-Linked Tragedies in Odisha
The incident comes on the heels of two other disturbing cases that have emerged in recent days in Odisha, highlighting the dangerous impact of online gaming.
In Jaleswar, Balasore, a private tutor named Sourajit Ray allegedly attempted suicide after losing Rs 5 lakh through an online gaming app. He is currently hospitalised with severe injuries.
In another case from Bhubaneswar's Laxmisagar area, a 23-year-old man named Bikash Nayak was found dead under mysterious circumstances. His family revealed he had lost over Rs 7 lakh on online betting platforms and had been under immense stress. Preliminary indications link his death to his online gaming habits.
Government Tightens Rules and Raises Awareness
The Central Government has stepped up regulatory efforts in the online gaming sector. It imposed a 30% income tax on net winnings and 28% GST from October 1, 2023. It has also mandated registration under the IGST Act and empowered agencies to block unregistered or illegal gaming platforms. The Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated various cybercrime frameworks and helplines like 1930, while advisories have been issued by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting cautioning against the dangers of online gaming.
On World Hearing Day, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also warned of the hearing risks associated with excessive screen time and loud gaming sounds in children.
