Muzaffarpur: A 12th-grade student in Muzaffarpur has confessed to stealing gold and silver jewellery worth over Rs 10 lakh from his own home to fuel his online gaming addiction, in a case that has raised fresh concerns about the psychological impact of excessive screen time on young people.
The incident took place in the Sheikhpur Dhaba locality, under the jurisdiction of Ahiyapur police station. The middle-class family reported missing jewellery from a locked wardrobe, initially suspecting a burglary. However, CCTV footage revealed no signs of a break-in, prompting suspicion to fall within the household.
The turning point came when the father threatened to call the police. The boy, visibly distressed, returned moments later with his school bag, revealing the missing items inside. The family was left in disbelief.
Upon questioning, the boy admitted to stealing the jewellery, explaining that he had become addicted to online gaming and had already spent Rs 3 lakh from his father’s account previously. In a bid to recover the money and continue gaming, he resorted to stealing.
His parents, choosing not to file a police complaint, have instead sought psychiatric help. The boy is now undergoing treatment under a specialist, the family confirmed.
