Murders by Indian online game addicts overshadow booming sector

Debt-fuelled desperation sparks concern over world's rapidly growing market

20240820 India Gaming

India is the world's fastest-growing online games market with nearly 570 million enthusiasts. The sector is projected to be worth $6 billion annually by 2028. © AP

NEETA LAL, Contributing writer

NEW DELHI -- When an Indian teenager bludgeoned his grandmother to death with a hammer this month, the gruesome killing sent shockwaves across the country and aggravated fresh concerns about online gaming in the world's fastest-growing market. 

The 16-year-old had demanded money from the 65-year-old victim to cover about $2,000 in gaming losses, after he already stole and sold off the family's gold, police said. The woman refused and paid with her life. 

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