In a deeply distressing incident that has once again highlighted the dangers of online gaming addiction, a Class 10 student in Telangana’s Nirmal district died by suicide after his parents confiscated his mobile phone to prevent him from playing the popular online battle game PUBG.
The victim, identified as Beti Rishendra, was reportedly addicted to the game and would spend more than ten hours a day glued to his screen. His obsession had reached such alarming levels that he refused to attend school, claiming that academic responsibilities interfered with his gaming schedule.
Class 10 Student Parents Tried Counseling Before Taking Action
According to officials familiar with the case, Rishendra’s parents were aware of his extreme dependence on PUBG and had made multiple attempts to intervene. They took him to a psychiatrist as well as a neurosurgeon for counseling, hoping professional help might persuade him to reduce his gaming hours.
However, their efforts proved unsuccessful. Instead of responding positively to counseling, the boy reportedly became more aggressive and even threatened one of the doctors who tried to reason with him.
Unable to cope with his behavior and worried about his future, his parents finally took a firm step by taking away his phone three days ago. This move was intended to curb his gaming addiction and help him focus on his studies and well-being.
Tragically, Rishendra could not cope with being separated from his phone and his favorite game. Officials said that he hanged himself in his home, unable to adjust to life without PUBG.
This heartbreaking case is not an isolated one. Across India, several reports in recent years have linked extreme gaming addiction to reckless behavior, depression, and in some cases, fatal outcomes.
Launched in 2017, PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) quickly gained immense popularity among young gamers. Its highly immersive format, adrenaline-pumping missions, and competitive multiplayer environment have made it one of the most addictive online games globally. While it provides entertainment and a sense of community for many players, psychologists warn that excessive gaming can lead to gaming disorder, which the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized in 2019.
In India, PUBG has frequently been at the center of controversy. The original Chinese version of the game was banned in 2020 over concerns related to addiction and data security, but it re-entered the market in modified forms such as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). Despite restrictions, millions of teenagers continue to spend hours each day immersed in the game.
Previous Cases of PUBG-Linked Fatalities
The dangers of unchecked gaming addiction have surfaced in multiple tragic incidents across the country.
- West Champaran, Bihar (2024): Earlier this year, three teenagers lost their lives after being run over by a train. The boys, deeply engrossed in playing PUBG on their phones while sitting on railway tracks, failed to notice the approaching train because they were wearing earphones. The accident shocked the community and served as a grim reminder of how gaming addiction can impair judgment and awareness.
- Hyderabad, Telangana (2023): In another disturbing case, a video went viral showing a cab driver recklessly playing PUBG while driving. The footage, recorded by a passenger, revealed the driver holding his phone in one hand and operating the vehicle with the other. At times, he used both hands to play, risking not only his own life but also that of his passengers and others on the road. Authorities later took action against the driver after the video surfaced.
These incidents, combined with the latest tragedy in Nirmal, underscore how online games, if not regulated, can have life-threatening consequences.
Experts Warn of Long-Term Impact
Mental health professionals have repeatedly cautioned parents and educators about the risks of excessive gaming among children and teenagers. Dr. Meena Iyer, a child psychiatrist.
She stresses the importance of early intervention, open communication between parents and children, and setting clear boundaries around gaming time. “Instead of abruptly confiscating devices, parents must combine discipline with empathy. Professional therapy, family counseling, and structured routines can help young people transition away from addictive gaming habits,” she adds.
A Wake-Up Call for Parents and Authorities
The tragic death of Rishendra has reignited debates about the responsibility of parents, schools, and government authorities in addressing gaming addiction. Many argue that stricter monitoring mechanisms and awareness campaigns are needed to educate families about the dangers of excessive gaming.
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Some states have already experimented with restrictions. For instance, Gujarat briefly banned PUBG in 2019, even arresting several youths for violating the order. However, critics argue that outright bans are not a lasting solution, as tech-savvy teenagers often find workarounds to access the games.
Instead, experts suggest adopting a balanced approach—introducing digital literacy programs in schools, promoting alternative hobbies, and encouraging physical activity to help children channel their energy productively.
The heartbreaking case of the Class 10 student from Telangana is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences unchecked gaming addiction can have on young lives. While PUBG and similar games provide entertainment, the dangers of excessive use cannot be ignored.
For parents, this tragedy underscores the importance of engaging in open conversations with children, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking timely professional help. For policymakers, it highlights the urgent need to develop national guidelines on screen time and gaming addiction.
As India grapples with the growing influence of online games, this incident serves as both a warning and a call to action: safeguarding children’s mental health must become a shared responsibility before more lives are lost to the virtual battlefield.
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