14-year-old student dies by suicide in Bhopal:Denied access to mobile phone, minor takes extreme step; police probe online game task angle

A 14-year-old student died by alleged suicide in Bhopal, with his family suspecting that excessive mobile gaming and pressure related to online game “tasks” may have driven him to take the extreme step. Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances. Incident reported from Piplani area The incident took place in Shriram Colony under the Piplani police station area. The deceased, identified as Ansh Sahu, was a Class 8 student and the only child of his parents, both of whom work as teachers in a private school. According to police, Ansh was found hanging inside his home on Monday afternoon. Mobile phone taken away by family Family members told police that Ansh had recently developed a strong addiction to online mobile games. Despite repeated counselling, his gaming habits reportedly began affecting his studies. Concerned about his behaviour, the family confiscated his mobile phone a few days before the incident. Parents were away at the time On Monday, Ansh’s parents had gone out to attend a thirteenth-day death ritual. When they returned home, they found Ansh hanging in his room. He was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Neighbours noted behavioral changes Neighbours described Ansh as a quiet and reserved child, adding that he had recently started preferring to stay alone. This behavioural change has become a key point of interest in the investigation. Police statement and Ongoing probe Piplani Police Station In-charge Chandrika Yadav said that, prima facie, the case appears to be linked to mobile gaming addiction. However, she added that only after a detailed investigation would the situation become clear, including whether the suicide was connected to any specific online game or assigned task.