In a troubling case highlighting the growing risks of online gaming for children, an 11-year-old third-grade student in Kanpur’s Panki area lost ₹90,000 ($1,100) while playing an online game. The child’s parents have accused two local cybercafé operators of fraud and intimidation.
How It Happened
The family of Mahesh Rajput, who lives with his wife Reena and their son in a rented home in Ratanpur, said the child had developed a gaming habit. Reena, who works at a beauty parlor, recalled that on January 1, she took ₹100 from a household piggy bank, only to later realize a substantial sum was missing.
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The boy admitted that, enticed by prizes in an online game, he had played at two cybercafés and collectively lost ₹90,000. When the family approached the café operators to recover the money, they refused and allegedly threatened the boy and his parents.
Abduction Linked to Gaming Addiction
In a related incident, a student from Maharashtra was reportedly abducted due to his PUBG gaming addiction and later brought to Kanpur. Police at Kanpur Central Station arrested one suspect, and the student was returned safely to his family. Investigators said the boy had been residing in a private hostel and was preparing for board examinations. The abduction involved a stranger obtaining the child’s mobile phone under false pretenses before taking him to Kanpur.
Expert Analysis
Triveni Singh, former IPS officer and cybercrime expert, warned of the broader risks of online gaming for children:
“Gaming addiction among young children exposes them to both financial loss and psychological stress. Fraudsters exploit this vulnerability to extort money and, in some cases, intimidate families. Parents must monitor their children’s online activity, and immediate police reporting is essential. Awareness and vigilance are the first lines of defense against such cybercrimes.”
Broader Implications
Authorities emphasize the need for enhanced cyber awareness, especially among children, and stricter monitoring of cybercafé operations. Cases like this underscore how easily young players can be manipulated into financial loss or even physical danger.
Next Steps
Kanpur police have launched an investigation into the cybercafé operators. Officials promised strict action against the perpetrators and warned that any attempts to exploit minors online would be met with uncompromising enforcement.
