Jamshedpur News: 19-Year-Old BBA Student Soma Saw Dies by Suicide Due to Online Gaming Stress in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, December 05, 2024: A 19-year-old BBA student Soma Saw allegedly ended her life by jumping off the Kadma Toll Bridge into the Kharkai River, reportedly driven by stress linked to online gaming. The tragic incident highlights the growing psychological toll of gaming addiction among young individuals.

Victim Identified as Soma Saw

The deceased, identified as Soma Saw, was a resident of Bhatia Basti in Kadma and a student at Netaji Subhash University. Soma Saw’s father, who runs an egg roll stall in Bistupur, shared that he had recently paid ₹45,000 in college fees to support her education. Despite her family’s aspirations, Soma Saw’s life took a tragic turn due to the influence of online gaming.

Online Gaming and Stress Connection

According to police sources, Soma Saw was an avid player of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). It is believed that her connection with a youth from Chhattisgarh, formed through the game, led to emotional distress. Her father noted a shift in her behavior in recent months, with signs of depression becoming evident.

Timeline of Events

On Monday morning, Soma Saw left home, stating she was heading to college. However, she did not attend any classes that day. When her family contacted her by phone, she claimed to be stuck in Mango traffic, but her phone was later found switched off.

That evening, her family filed a missing person report at Kadma Police Station. On Tuesday morning, the police discovered a body in the Kharkai River near the Kadma Toll Bridge. Soma Saw’s family identified the body and it was sent for postmortem.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances that led to Soma Saw’s death. The police are attempting to contact the youth she interacted with through the online game to gather further details. While no foul play is suspected at this stage, investigators are considering the psychological impact of prolonged gaming and its potential role in Soma’s mental health decline.

Rising Concerns Over Gaming Addiction

This incident sheds light on the darker side of online gaming, which has increasingly been linked to mental health issues like anxiety, depression and even suicidal tendencies. Experts warn that excessive gaming can lead to social isolation and emotional instability, particularly among vulnerable age groups.

Authorities Address the Issue

Local officials and mental health professionals are urging families to monitor gaming habits and encourage open conversations about stress and emotional well-being. Awareness campaigns aimed at addressing gaming addiction are being discussed to prevent similar tragedies.

Mental Health Resources for Families

Psychologists emphasize the importance of recognizing early warning signs of mental distress. Parents are encouraged to seek professional guidance if their children exhibit symptoms of depression or excessive gaming behaviors. Helplines and counseling centers can provide immediate support to those in crisis.

This heartbreaking case of Soma Saw serves as a wake-up call to address the urgent need for mental health awareness and the responsible use of digital platforms.