Article Today, Lucknow:
Police said Yash Kumar, a 12-year-old student, had been playing the online game Free Fire without his parents’ knowledge. Investigations revealed that he had spent nearly Rs.13 lakh through his father’s bank account over the past months. The money had been deposited after the sale of family land two years ago.
Father Discovers Withdrawals
The boy’s father, Suresh Kumar Yadav, a painter by profession, noticed the missing funds while updating his passbook at the Union Bank’s Bijoar branch. Shocked by the withdrawals, he questioned his son. Initially, the boy denied any involvement, but later admitted that he had spent the money on the gaming platform.
Child Takes Extreme Step
According to the police, the father did not scold his son after the revelation. However, the boy was reportedly distressed by the loss. Later, after speaking briefly with family members, he went into his room and hanged himself from the ceiling fan. The family rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police Investigation Under Way
Officers reached the spot after receiving information and sent the body for post-mortem. A case has been registered, and an investigation is in progress. Police said they are also looking into how the transactions went unnoticed for such a long time.
Concerns Over Online Gaming
The incident has renewed calls for stricter monitoring of online games that involve monetary transactions. Child rights activists have stressed the need for greater parental vigilance over children’s digital activity. Meanwhile, police officials stated that awareness programmes on cyber safety would be intensified to prevent similar tragedies.
