Free momos cost ₹85 lakh! Class 7 boy 'tricked' into handing over family gold jewellery to street vendors in Uttar Pradesh

In an extraordinarily unusual incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district, a Class 7 student lost his family valuables - jewellery worth around ₹85 lakh - after being allegedly lured by momo vendors with the promise of free snacks.

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A Momo Craving That Cost a Fortune

According to the police complaint filed by the boy’s father, the three youths running a momo stall at Dumri Chauraha on the Deoria-Kasya road befriended the minor. Observing the boy’s fondness for the popular street snack, they offered free momos and other items to gain his trust.

How the Loss Came to Light

The bizarre exchange went unnoticed until the boy’s aunt came to collect her jewellery from the home. When the family opened their almirah, they were stunned to find it empty. On questioning, the boy admitted that he had been giving the ornaments to the momo stall owners “in exchange for free momos.”

The jewellery reportedly belonged to both the boy and his sister, and the family had no idea pieces were being taken over an extended period.

Police Action and Investigation

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Rampur Karkhana police station on the complaint of the boy’s father, Vimlesh Mishra, who works as a temple priest in Varanasi. Police officials confirmed that two of the accused have been detained so far, with efforts underway to arrest the third.

Station House Officer Devendra Kumar Singh told the press that the police are trying to trace all stolen jewellery and uncover how the minors were persuaded over time.

Community and Safety Concerns

The case has left residents shocked and raised broader questions about the exploitation of minors, the vulnerability of children to manipulation, and the responsibilities of families and communities in protecting young people from undue influence.

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This incident underscores the need for increased awareness and supervision when children interact with adults outside the family, especially in informal or unsupervised settings.