Madurai: Close on the heels of a reported ‘Blue Whale’ video game induced suicide of a college student here, a counselling cell has been formed by the district police. Parents and teachers who notice unusual behaviour in students could seek the cell's help.
The Madurai district SP, N. Manivannan told reporters that the counselling would be headed by an additional SP, Kalavathi to reach out to the students and intervene if any student is found to be addicted to such video games.
Manivannan urged parents and teachers to inform the cell on this number 7708806111 if they found any behavioural change among the students.
When asked about Vignesh alias Vicky suicide case, the SP said that preliminary investigation revealed that he had committed suicide induced by the 'Blue Whale' video game. “His parents informed us that he stayed aloof and was found depressed for the last few days. They also told us that Vignesh was in touch with a group through WhatsApp,” said Manivannan.
“We didn't find the video game on his mobile phone. He had a WhatsApp group, but we need to find out whether it was group related to Blue Whale video game," said the SP.
The top police officer has designated an inspector Parameswari from Serious Organised Crime Agency to investigate the case.
Meanwhile, the relatives of deceased Vicky, a second year B.Com student in Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College said that his grandmother had bought him a mobile phone only few days ago as a reward for clearing all papers in the first year.
His college mates who had visited his house to express their condolences claimed that he used to play 'Blue Whale' video game at an Internet centre till recently. "As Vicky had stopped playing the game at the last stages, he reportedly got a threat call from unknown persons," alleged his friends.
Vicky had suddenly started consuming alcohol and Gutkha in the last two days, they claimed. However, the police said that they cannot arrive at any conclusion at this stage.
What is Blue whale challenge?
Blue whale game is a psychological challenge game developed in Russia. The administrator gives the victim about 50 tasks including last one instructing to suicide.
In this game victim is asked to wake up early morning and watch horror videos, inflict pain by making cuts, poking needles, communicating with other players, climb to higher heights like cranes, standing on roof top edge, remain alone and don't talk to anyone.
By giving successive tasks administrator takes psychological control of the victim and incites victim to commit suicide.
All parents are requested to keep a tab on online activity as well as their offline behaviour especially any of the aforementioned activities. Children are requested to spend time on outdoor games and with friends and family and not to get influenced by such games.
Madurai City Police is willing to extend all necessary help. Any information in this regard can be given on 0452-2346302
