Indus Valley Times

Family reveals signs of distress linked to gaming addiction 

By Prabhat  Kumar Singh

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 5: A 22-year-old youth in Bhubaneswar tragically ended his life on Thursday, with family members attributing the incident to a deep addiction to online gaming and the financial burden it caused. 

The deceased, identified as Shasanka Sekhar Satpathy, resided in Tinimundia Square under the jurisdiction of Lingaraj Police Station. According to his family, Shasanka was heavily immersed in online gaming, often spending prolonged hours engaged in the activity at home. In the days leading up to the incident, his behavior reportedly became more withdrawn, and he exhibited signs of emotional distress. 

Shasanka was found hanging at his residence and, despite the family’s efforts to rush him to Capital Hospital, doctors declared him brought dead. 

Lingaraj Police officials promptly initiated an investigation into the matter. While inquiries are ongoing, preliminary reports suggest that Shasanka’s financial struggles, aggravated by losses incurred through online gaming, may have pushed him to this extreme step. 

Experts have highlighted the alarming rise in online gaming addiction, particularly among youth. While gaming has surged in popularity globally, its darker side—financial stress, mental health deterioration, and addictive behavior—has sparked widespread concern. 

Mental health professional Dr. Ashok Acharya emphasized the critical role of families in identifying early signs of addiction. “Parents need to maintain open lines of communication with their children. Recognizing issues such as gaming-related debts early on can pave the way for timely counseling and support,” he noted. 

Cyber expert Dr. Prakash Jena echoed these concerns, urging greater awareness and preventive measures. “This incident underscores the serious risks of unregulated online gaming and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from its adverse impacts,” he remarked. 

Authorities and experts alike are calling for stronger initiatives to address the growing menace of gaming addiction, which continues to affect young lives across the nation.