A 17-year-old boy from Vadodara made headlines after fleeing to Goa, taking Rs 3 lakh from his family’s savings, which included funds allocated for his sister’s UPSC examination fees. The teenager reportedly succumbed to the intense academic pressure associated with his Class 11 exams, prompting his drastic decision.
In the early hours of Tuesday, the teenager left home after assuring his mother and sister that all was well. When the family discovered his disappearance the following morning, they found the front door open and the considerable sum missing from a safe. His abrupt absence sparked an urgent search led by local police.
Security footage revealed that the boy had left home around 1:45 AM with a backpack. He initially traveled to Mumbai, where he met a friend, before continuing his journey to Goa. Unfortunately for the family, the boy’s mobile was switched off, heightening their concern.
The police quickly launched search efforts and utilized technical surveillance to track the boy down after activating a new SIM card. They pinpointed his location to a beach resort in Goa, where he was found relaxed with his friend, seemingly unfazed by the turmoil his departure had caused.
During questioning, the teenager expressed his distress over academic pressures and stated that he felt suffocated and trapped by his responsibilities. He had already spent over Rs 50,000 during his brief escape. After consulting with police, he was advised to seek professional help to cope with the stress he was experiencing.
Fortunately, both boys were successfully returned to Vadodara, where they reunited with their families. The police did not pursue any criminal charges against the boy, recognizing that he is a minor in need of support following the incident. This case highlights the importance of addressing mental health and academic stress among students, encouraging families and schools to foster open communication and support systems for young individuals facing similar pressures.