UP Teen Sells Family Jewellery Worth Rs 85 Lakh to Feed Momo Addiction

A startling incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district has drawn widespread attention after a 14-year-old boy allegedly sold family jewellery worth approximately Rs 85 lakh to sustain an addiction to momos. The unusual case has raised concerns about juvenile behaviour, lack of supervision, and exploitation by adults, as police investigate the role of a local street food vendor in the matter.

According to officials, the minor belongs to a family residing in a village under the jurisdiction of the Rampur Karkhana police station. Over a prolonged period, the teenager is alleged to have quietly removed gold ornaments from his home and handed them over to a momo seller operating a cart in Rampur town. In return, the boy reportedly received plates of momos, gradually exchanging large quantities of valuable jewellery for food.

The theft remained undetected for months, as the family did not routinely check the stored ornaments. The matter came to light only when the boy’s aunt visited her parental home to collect her jewellery. Upon opening the almirah, family members discovered that several ornaments were missing, triggering suspicion and concern.

When questioned by elders, the boy reportedly admitted to stealing the gold and giving it to the momo vendor. The disclosure left the family shocked, as the cumulative value of the missing ornaments was estimated to be around Rs 85 lakh. The jewellery included items belonging to multiple family members, accumulated over years and kept for safekeeping.

Following the revelation, the family lodged a formal complaint with the local police. Law enforcement officials confirmed that an investigation has been initiated and that efforts are underway to trace the momo vendor who allegedly accepted the gold. Authorities are also assessing whether the vendor was aware of the origin and value of the jewellery or knowingly exploited the minor.

Police officials stated that while the boy is a minor and will be dealt with under juvenile justice provisions, the vendor could face serious legal consequences if found guilty of receiving stolen property or exploiting a child. Investigators are attempting to recover the jewellery or establish whether it has already been sold or melted down.

The incident has sparked discussion among local residents, who expressed concern over how easily a minor could dispose of such high-value assets without raising immediate suspicion. It has also highlighted the need for greater parental awareness and monitoring, especially in cases involving addictive behaviour among children.

Psychologists note that while the case may appear bizarre on the surface, it reflects deeper issues related to impulse control, peer influence, and unchecked access to street vendors. Experts warn that addiction-like behaviour toward food or digital stimuli among adolescents can sometimes lead to extreme actions if left unaddressed.

As the investigation continues, police have urged local vendors to remain vigilant and verify the source of valuables offered to them. Authorities are also counselling the family on legal and psychological support options for the minor.

The case stands as a cautionary tale about juvenile vulnerability, the importance of safeguarding family assets, and the responsibility of adults to avoid exploiting children for personal gain.