Khallikote, Oct 31: An online gaming addiction has allegedly claimed the life of an Odia migrant worker in Abu Dhabi. The 25-year-old had travelled to the Gulf city to earn a livelihood and support his family. However, he reportedly fell into the trap of an online casino game and allegedly died by suicide under pressure over mounting financial losses and threats. The tragic news has plunged Kanaka village under Khallikote block into grief.

According to reports, Babula Nayak, the 25-year-old son of Anatha Nayak, a resident of Kanaka village under Khallikote block, had travelled to Abu Dhabi in October 2024 through a contractor in search of employment.

He was working as a fitter at a private company named HECО in Abu Dhabi.

Initially, everything was going smoothly. However, Babula allegedly became addicted to an online casino game operated by a youth from his own village.

Reportedly, after winning initially, he became increasingly attracted to the game. However, he eventually lost lakhs of rupees.

The family has alleged that the youth who was operating the game repeatedly pressured Babula to repay the money he had lost and even threatened to kill him. They have reportedly mentioned these allegations in a complaint lodged at the police station.

Unable to cope with the alleged pressure and threats, Babula reportedly consumed a poisonous substance in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, October 27, and died.

The news of Babula's death has plunged his entire family and village into mourning. He was the sole earning member of the family, and his sudden demise has left his loved ones devastated.

Amid heartbreaking scenes and cries of grief, the family has lodged a written complaint at Khallikote police station, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident and the arrest of the youth allegedly responsible for trapping Babula in the online gaming racket.

The family has also made an emotional appeal to the administration to ensure that Babula's mortal remains are brought back from Abu Dhabi at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Krishna Prasad Pradhan, the block coordinator of the Pravasi Odia Shramik Sahayata Kendra, has assured that efforts are being made to bring Babula's body back to his native village soon.

Babula's parents, Anatha Nayak and Kamini Nayak, have made an emotional appeal to the administration to bring their son's mortal remains back from Abu Dhabi. The grieving family is now waiting for the return of Babula's body so that his last rites can be performed in his native village.