Bhubaneswar, Feb 2: A bizarre case from Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria has left locals stunned after a Class 7 boy’s obsession with momo led to his family losing jewellery worth nearly ₹85 lakh.

According to a complaint filed by temple priest Vimlesh Mishra of Varanasi, his young son was tricked by three men running a local momo stall. Mishra stated that his son, who was extremely fond of momo, was lured with promises of “free momo” if he brought jewellery from home.

Initially, the boy believed the stall owners and began handing over ornaments from his house in exchange for the snack. Over time, he gave away a large quantity of jewellery, unaware of the massive financial loss his family was incurring.

Also read: Half-Burnt Body Found in Odisha, Accused Confesses

The shocking truth surfaced when Mishra’s sister visited their home and asked for her jewellery. Upon opening the cupboard, the family was horrified to discover that all the ornaments were missing. When questioned, the boy confessed that he had given the jewellery to the momo sellers so he could eat momo without paying.

Mishra immediately lodged a written complaint at the local police station, naming all three accused. He claimed that the stolen jewellery was valued at approximately ₹85 lakh. Police have since launched a detailed investigation into the matter, focusing on how the stall owners manipulated the child and whether the ornaments can be recovered.

The case has sparked widespread discussion, highlighting how vulnerable children can be to manipulation and how seemingly harmless habits can be exploited by unscrupulous individuals. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

This unusual incident has not only shocked the family but also raised concerns among parents about monitoring children’s activities and educating them about potential dangers.