Surat: In a tragic incident in the Bhestan area of the city, a 13-year-old boy allegedly died by suicide after being reprimanded by his family over excessive mobile gaming, police said.

The deceased, identified as Bilal, was found hanging at his residence on Tuesday evening. According to the preliminary investigation, he had tied a scarf to an iron hook in the ceiling.

A neighbour noticed the boy through a window and immediately alerted others. The neighbour broke open the window, entered the house, and brought him down before informing the family. He was rushed for medical help but could not be saved.

Police said the boy was addicted to the online mobile game Free Fire and had recently been scolded by his parents over his gaming habits. Initial findings suggest he may have taken the extreme step after being upset over the reprimand.

Officials from the Bhestan police station have initiated a further investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. DeshGujarat