14-year-old Bhopal student dies amid ‘Free Fire’ game craze:Spent ₹28K from grandfather’s account to buy expensive skin-weapons; then gold medalist hanged himself

After the suicide of 14-year-old student Ansh Sahu in Bhopal’s Piplani area, the picture that is emerging is not just of an accident, but of the dangerous pressure of online gaming that is increasingly surrounding children. Discussions have revealed that the online game ‘Free Fire’ that Ansh was addicted to was more about ‘showing off’ than winning, with better weapons, shiny skins, expensive characters, and online status. According to the family, Ansh was already playing that game. A month ago, seeing his mobile habits, family members took away his mobile phone so that he could focus on his studies. After this, he continued to behave normally. No lack of sleep, no irritability, no decline in studies – this is why family members did not anticipate any major danger. Secret revealed when 28 thousand rupees withdrawn from grandfather’s mobile Ansh’s uncle Bhola Sahu says that some time ago, about 28 thousand rupees were deducted from grandfather’s mobile account. Initially, Ansh denied spending the money, but after the bank statement came, it was discovered that the amount was spent on the online game. The family says that at that time, the child was explained to, not scolded or reprimanded. After that, he did not use his mobile again. According to the uncle, this game constantly gives children the feeling that if they spend more money, they will look more ‘pro’. Better guns, better skins, and more power – this is the world of this game. Was playing Free Fire game
At the time of the incident, the deceased’s parents had gone to attend a family function, while the child had returned home to take a bath and change clothes. According to ASI Suresh Kumar, the child was previously present at a function at his grandfather’s house and came directly home from there. Police have received information from family members that the child used to play an online game called Free Fire on mobile. He had been counseled about this game at home before. However, no major disputes or fights regarding mobile or games have come to light at home. According to police, the child’s behavior was normal. Race to look ‘pro’, restlessness without money According to gamers, online games don’t have a direct task system, but the mental pressure is immense. Players constantly want upgrades. Weapons should shine, characters should look different, and opponents should be impressed. If there’s no money, anxiety increases. This restlessness gradually becomes like an addiction. According to a gamer, people spend not thousands but lakhs of rupees on it. This pressure becomes even more dangerous for young children, as they fail to understand that virtual status is different from real life. Topper student, National level skater, won many medals Ansh’s uncle said that Ansh was not just a child who played mobile games. He was a topper in studies. He had played skating at the national level. He had many gold medals. The family says that Ansh was a calm, sensible, and disciplined child. His relationship with his parents was normal and positive. No major dispute or fight over a mobile phone came to light. What happened on the day of the incident? On the day of the incident, the family had gone to attend a program related to the grandfather’s thirteenth-day ceremony. Ansh was already present there. After that, he returned home to take a bath. During that time, Ansh took his mother’s mobile and played games. Shortly after, when the family returned, they found Ansh hanging from a noose.