A heartbreaking incident in Rajkot has highlighted the severe consequences of digital addiction and parental control conflicts among children. A 12-year-old boy, Saurabh Pande, allegedly died by suicide after his parents prevented him from using a mobile phone.
Tragic Discovery in Family Home
Saurabh Pande was found hanged on Friday evening at his family's residence on Chandresh Nagar Main Road in Rajkot. The Class VII student was discovered by his mother, who was working in the kitchen at the time. She immediately raised an alarm, prompting neighbours to rush in and call for an ambulance.
Despite swift response, paramedics declared the boy dead upon arrival. The Malaviyanagar police were informed and have registered a case of unnatural death, initiating a detailed inquiry into the circumstances.
Family Background and Triggering Incident
The family had relocated to Rajkot from Uttar Pradesh in search of livelihood. Saurabh's father works as an autorickshaw driver, supporting his wife and two children. Saurabh was the elder sibling in the household.
Preliminary police investigations reveal a distressing sequence of events. Saurabh returned from school on Friday afternoon and began using his mother's mobile phone. His father, concerned about the boy's excessive screen time, scolded him and changed the phone's passcode before leaving for work.
When Saurabh later attempted to use the phone again, he could not unlock it. He asked his mother for the new passcode, but she told him she had forgotten it. Following this denial of access, Saurabh retreated to his room, where he was later found deceased.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
The Malaviyanagar police continue their investigation into this tragic case. While the immediate trigger appears linked to mobile phone restriction, authorities are examining all aspects, including the child's mental state and family dynamics.
This incident raises critical questions about digital device management for children, the pressures faced by young students, and the importance of open communication within families. Mental health experts often warn that sudden restrictions without dialogue can have unintended consequences, especially with adolescents.
The tragedy underscores the need for balanced approaches to technology use and greater awareness about child and adolescent mental health issues in urban Indian households. As the investigation proceeds, the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short.
