16 yr old suspected to have murdered mother over mobile phone addiction

May 6, 2024 at 10:39 AM

A 16-year-old boy is suspected to have murdered his mother due to an addiction to the mobile phone, the Police said. 

A 38-year-old woman was found dead in a suspicious manner at her residence in the Thellippalai Police Division in Jaffna on Friday (May 03). 

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa told the media that preliminary investigations have revealed that the woman and son were alone at the house at the estimated time of death. 

The teenager had been disgruntled that his mother had confiscated his mobile phone and had handed over the device to his grandmother, according to Police. 

Police investigations have revealed that the boy had left his house on Saturday morning on a bicycle and is yet to be found, while it is suspected that he may have gone overseas. 

DIG Thalduwa said evidence had also been found of the child’s exposure to the internet, including YouTube and other social media platforms. 

He said it is suspected that the child had committed the murder due to his addiction to gaming or other online platforms. 

The Police Spokesman warned the public of the dangers of allowing their children to use mobile phones without restriction. 

He further said it was the parents’ responsibility to prevent children from getting addicted to mobile phones and monitor their usage activities. (Newswire)