'Very fond of momo': Class 7 boy exchanges Rs 85 lakh family gold for free plates at UP momo stall

Momos

• Uttar Pradesh boy traded Rs 85 lakh gold for free momos from local stall
• Police investigating after family discovered missing jewellery
• Three momo vendors accused of exploiting the minor for gold ornaments

Did our AI summary help?

A family in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district is reeling after discovering that their 14-year-old son allegedly exchanged gold jewellery valued at approximately Rs 85 lakh for free helpings of momos, the popular street-food snack.

The astonishing case, reported from a village under the Rampur Karkhana police jurisdiction, centres on a Class 7 pupil described by his father as “very fond of momo.” According to the formal complaint filed by Vimlesh Mishra, a priest from Varanasi, his son’s simple craving was systematically exploited by three men operating a local momo stall.

The father alleges the vendors first lured the boy by offering complimentary momos. This tactic, he claims, gradually escalated into coercion. The stall owners reportedly told the minor that if he brought jewellery from his home, they would continue to provide him with free food.

Over an unspecified period, the boy allegedly began pilfering gold ornaments from his family’s cupboard, handing them over to the vendors. The thefts went unnoticed until a routine family visit brought the situation to light.

The truth emerged when the boy’s aunt visited her parental home to collect her jewellery. Upon opening the almirah, the family was confronted with empty space where the valuables should have been. After questioning, the boy confessed he had given the jewellery to the momo sellers.

“When they questioned the boy, he told them he had given the jewellery to the momo sellers so he could eat momo for free,” the complaint stated, as reported.

Shocked by the scale of the loss, Vimlesh Mishra filed a written complaint naming all three stall owners. He stated the missing jewellery is currently valued at Rs 85 lakh.

Police have confirmed an investigation is underway. “The matter has come to our notice. We are verifying the details and the accused will be taken into custody soon,” a police official was reported as saying.

Authorities are now working to trace the accused vendors and recover the stolen ornaments. A thorough probe is ongoing to ascertain the precise timeline of the thefts and the final valuation of the missing gold.