A bizarre and disturbing incident from Deoria district in India’s Uttar Pradesh has shocked the country after a family lost jewellery worth more than $100,000 when their young son was allegedly manipulated into exchanging it for free momos.
According to police and family statements, the case involves a Class 7 student who became a regular customer at a momo stall near Dumri Chauraha on the Deoria–Kasya road. What began as a harmless love for street food reportedly turned into a carefully planned scam.
The incident surfaced when relatives asked for jewellery kept in the family’s cupboard and found it missing. When questioned, the boy reportedly revealed that he had handed over all the ornaments to momo vendors in return for free food.
The boy’s father, Vimlesh Mishra, a temple priest originally from Varanasi, told police that his son is extremely fond of momos and was gradually lured by the vendors. The men allegedly built trust by offering free food before persuading the child to bring valuables from home.
Investigators say three youths running the momo stall befriended the boy and repeatedly convinced him to bring jewellery, claiming it would cover the cost of unlimited momos. Over several days, the child allegedly removed gold ornaments belonging to multiple family members and handed them over without understanding their value.
The total value of the missing jewellery is estimated at approximately $102,000, making the case one of the most unusual fraud incidents involving a minor in the region. The scale of the loss has drawn widespread attention and disbelief.
Following the discovery, Mishra lodged a formal complaint at Rampur Karkhana police station. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into cheating and exploitation of a minor. Two suspects have been taken into custody for questioning, while efforts are underway to locate the third accused.
Officials say they are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and recording statements from witnesses to establish how the vendors repeatedly approached the boy. Officers are also working to recover the stolen jewellery.
The case has triggered a wider debate across India on child safety and parental awareness. Authorities have urged parents to educate children about interacting with strangers, even in familiar neighbourhoods, and to keep valuables securely stored.
