Gaming-Obsessed Karnataka Teen Goes On Stabbing Spree At Home; Dad And Sister, Mom Critical
Gaming-Obsessed Karnataka Teen Goes On Stabbing Spree At Home; Dad And Sister, Mom Critical Reported By, Last Updated: June 08, 2026, 11:09 IST A teen
Gaming-Obsessed Karnataka Teen Goes On Stabbing Spree At Home; Dad And Sister, Mom Critical Reported By, Last Updated: June 08, 2026, 11:09 IST A teen in Karnataka's Koppal allegedly stabbed his father and sister to death and critically injured his mother. Police are probing whether online gaming addiction led to the crime Rapid Read Preliminary information suggests the youth was addicted to online gaming, though investigators are continuing to ascertain the exact motive behind the crime. (AI Generated) A shocking incident linked to alleged online gaming addiction has claimed two lives in Karnataka’s Koppal district, with an 18-year-old accused of stabbing his parents and sister before attempting to take his own life. The incident took place at Hosa Ayodhya village in Gangavathi taluk. According to police, Sai Naidu allegedly attacked his father Yankanna Naidu (48), mother Soujanya and sister Pragati (20) with a knife. After the assault, he reportedly stabbed himself. His sister died on the spot, while the injured family members were rushed to hospital for treatment. His father later succumbed to his injuries at Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) Hospital.
His mother remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at the same hospital. Sai Naidu, who also sustained serious injuries after allegedly stabbing himself, is receiving treatment. Police from Koppal district visited BIMS Hospital and have begun questioning the teenager as part of the investigation. Gangavathi police have inspected the scene and are probing the circumstances that led to the attack. Preliminary information suggests the youth was addicted to online gaming, though investigators are continuing to ascertain the exact motive behind the crime. What Police Have Said So Far Investigators are examining the sequence of events that led to the attack and are recording statements from family members, relatives and neighbours. Officials said they are also looking into the accused’s recent activities and interactions to establish whether there were any other factors behind the violence. Police have not yet released detailed findings and have urged caution against drawing conclusions until the investigation is completed. Authorities said all possible angles are being examined, including the possibility of disputes within the family and concerns surrounding excessive gaming.
Recent Cases That Sparked Concerns Over Online Gaming The Koppal incident is the latest in a series of cases that have reignited debate around excessive online gaming and its impact on young people. In recent years, several incidents across India have drawn attention to concerns over gaming addiction, particularly among teenagers and young adults. In some cases, families reported prolonged gaming sessions, social withdrawal and frequent conflicts at home over screen time and spending on online games. Experts, however, caution against attributing violent crimes solely to gaming. They note that such incidents often involve a combination of psychological, social and personal factors, making it important to examine each case individually rather than treating gaming as the only cause. What Is Gaming Disorder? The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises gaming disorder as a pattern of gaming behaviour characterised by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities and continuation of gaming despite negative consequences. Health experts stress that only a small percentage of gamers develop problematic behaviour.
The BriefWire