Online game addiction claims one more life in Odisha; 6 deaths in less than six months

Online gaming addiction among young students has become a cause of grave concern in Odisha as another minor boy allegedly killed self after being stopped from playing by his parents.

The incident, reported from Guhalipada village under Singla police station in Balasore district, reportedly took place on Monday.

As per the family members of the deceased Class 8 student, he took his own life after they tried to stop him from playing online games.

The further claimed that Jaykrishna (the deceased) was addicted to online gaming and often neglected his studies to play. When his relatives repeatedly cautioned him to quit, he became distressed and ultimately ‘took the extreme step’.

Meanwhile, police have recovered the body and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the minor boy.

Online Gaming Related Tragic Incidents In Odisha Since March 2025

Earlier in May this year, two such incidents were reported where two youths from the state, one each from Balasore and Kendrapara, allegedly committed suicide after they were obstructed from playing online games.

In March 2025, a Class 10 girl student from Ganapatiguda village under Ramanaguda police limits in Rayagada district allegedly lost her life due to online gaming.

According to reports, the student was actively engaged in an online gambling game, where she had reportedly won Rs 4 lakh. However, the associated online platform allegedly did not release the prize money, leading to distress and alleged tragic consequences.

In the same month, a 22-year-old man, named Surjyakant Sethi, allegedly murdered his parents and sister with a stone and wooden club at Jayabada village under Jagatsinghpur Sadar police station limits in Odisha.

Sethi’s family members later revealed that he had frequent clashes with his parents over his alleged addiction to online games. Besides, the accused was stated to be mentally unstable.