Kendrapara, May 28: In a deeply saddening incident, an 18-year-old engineering student from Odisha’s Kendrapara district lost his life, allegedly consuming pesticide due to financial losses incurred while playing an online game.

The victim, Sahil Jena, hailed from Bangari village under Kudangari police limits and was studying diploma engineering at a private college in Bhubaneswar.

According to reports, Sahil had returned home for vacation when he engaged in online gaming, leading to significant monetary losses. Unable to cope with the stress and fear, he allegedly consumed poison, resulting in his untimely death.

His family rushed him to the Patkura medical centre, but due to his deteriorating condition, he was transferred to Cuttack. Unfortunately, he succumbed on the way.

Sahil was the only child of his parents, making the tragedy even more heart-wrenching for the grieving family and the local community. His death has sparked widespread concerns about the dangers of online gaming addiction, particularly among youth.

The incident has reignited discussions among intellectuals and policymakers regarding the need for stricter regulations on online gaming platforms. Many experts demand governmental intervention to curb excessive gaming habits that lead to financial and psychological distress.

As society mourns the loss of a young life, authorities are urged to implement preventive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from the negative impacts of online gaming.

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