Online game claims another life in Odisha? Kendrapara student dies under mysterious circumstances

A cloud of suspicion hangs over the mysterious death of an 18-year-old student from Bangari village under Kudanagari police station limits in Kendrapara district, with many fearing the influence of online gaming may have played a role.

The deceased has been identified as Umakanta Jena, the only son of his parents. 

According to sources, Umakanta was pursuing his studies at a private college in Bhubaneswar and had returned home during the vacation. Reports suggest that he consumed poison and was rushed to Pattamundai and later referred to Cuttack in critical condition. However, he died on the way.

Preliminary information indicates that Umakanta was actively playing online games and may have lost money in the process. Fearing his family's reaction, he might have taken the extreme step, locals suspect.

However, there has been no official statement yet from either the family or the police. The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the growing dangers of online gaming addiction among youth. An investigation into the exact cause of death is underway.

“He was very studious and had scored good marks in the Matric exam. He was the only son of his father and had been playing some online games. He transferred a significant amount of money from his father's bank account without his knowledge. Fearing action from his father, he consumed poison and died," said Sashibhusan Jena, the deceased's uncle.