Online gaming turned a nightmare to a 22-year-old IIT aspirant: As internet access and smartphone usage have surged, online gaming has become a popular source of entertainment among India's youth. While online gaming may seem fun and exciting, its darker side is becoming more evident, with increasing cases of addiction and scams. One such shocking incident involves a 22-year-old student who fell into an astonishing Rs 96 lakh debt due to his obsession with online gaming.
The Rise of Online Gaming Addiction in India
Himanshu Mishra’s shocking case
The student at the centre of this alarming story is Himanshu Mishra, a bright 22-year-old from Bihar. Himanshu's online gaming addiction has shocked the nation. Once a promising student’s life took a drastic turn as his love for online gaming spiralled out of control, leaving him buried in an unimaginable debt of Rs 96 lakh.
The debt crisis
Himanshu was no ordinary student; he had achieved an impressive 98 per cent in the highly competitive IIT JEE exams. His family was proud of his academic accomplishments, but his addiction to online gaming completely derailed his future. It all started innocently, with Himanshu spending just Rs 49 for entertainment, but what followed was a disastrous series of financial missteps.
Family betrayal and escalating debt
Himanshu’s addiction soon turned into desperation, as he began stealing money from his own family. He fraudulently withdrew Rs 28,000 from his mother’s bank account and Rs 88,000 from his father’s account to fund his gaming addiction. His situation worsened when he lost all the money he had saved for his B.Tech fees in online gaming.
Exploiting trust for money
The addiction led Himanshu to deceive not only his family but also others. He borrowed Rs 20,000 from a friend, promising to return double the amount, which he did, thus gaining the person’s trust. Unfortunately, this trust led to further betrayal. Himanshu continued to withdraw money from his friend’s account, which was meant for his sister’s wedding, sinking him further into debt.
Rs 96 Lakh debt: His life changed forever
What started as a minor indulgence soon escalated into a Rs 96 lakh disaster. Himanshu’s obsession with online gaming led to continuous financial losses. His addiction not only cost him money but also estranged him from his family, who have now abandoned him due to the mounting debt.
A warning to all
Himanshu’s story is a wake-up call for many. It highlights how easily online gaming can spiral out of control, turning a promising future into financial ruin. The growing trend of online gaming addiction among Indian youth is a serious issue that needs urgent attention. Parents, educators, and society as a whole must take steps to educate young people about the dangers of excessive online gaming before it’s too late.
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