The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the deadly Blue Whale Challenge in public interest, after coming across news that the game claimed the life of a 19-year-old college student.
A Division Bench of Justices KK Sasidharan and GR Swaminathantook up cognizance of the matter last week, observing,
“There is no proper mechanism as of now to put an end to this dangerous game and to do counseling to the students or undertake social awareness and to keep a check on Internet cafes… [The] Time has come now to act swiftly to curb the cancerous growth of this game. The parents, police and the general public must also rise to the occasion.”
The student, J Vignesh, had ended his life by hanging himself last Wednesday. Investigating authorities found a blue whale carved into his arm, amongst other tell tale evidence. This is reportedly the first death in Tamil Nadu attributed to the Blue Whale game. A suicide note left by the victim warns, “This is not a game but a disaster. Once you step inside, you can never leave.”
As per reports, the High Court has directed the impleadment of the Union Ministry of Communications, the state Home department, and the Director General of Police for Tamil Nadu, among others, as respondents in the case. It has been posted for hearing on September 4.
The online game began doing rounds in India earlier this year. It involves the completion of a series of tasks ultimately culminating in the suicide of the player.
Following rising instances of suicide, the Union government in August had directed internet search platforms to remove links to the deadly game. Another PIL on the same issue is pending before the Delhi High Court.
Even as the police investigate Vignesh’s death, they have created a WhatsApp group for parents of children who are playing the game.
People can reach out to 770880611 in this regard.
Reference-
Bar and Bench
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