Madurai teen may have died of psychological reasons, says SP

Vignesh, a 19-year-old college student, committed suicide by hanging in his house at Madurai, on August 30, and police initially suspected that ‘Blue Whale Game’ might be the reason behind the suicide as he had a drawing of a blue whale on his left hand.

During interrogation, his family and friends informed the police that Vignesh had played ‘Blue Whale Game’ and hence the police had registered his suicide as suspicious death under section 174 of the CrPC. But, police said they did not find any proof of Vignesh playing the ‘Game’ after further investigations.

Manivannan said, “There was no proof of Vignesh having played the ‘Blue Whale Game’ in his mobile phone. A technical team is still analysing his internet usage. A clear picture might emerge after a week”.

When asked about a person from a foreign country threatening Vignesh over the phone, the SP replied that the incident is not related to the ‘Blue Whale Game’ and Vignesh’s parents are confused. It is said that the curators of the game would contact only through messages or through voice commands and so the incident of threat issued to Vignesh is not related to his suicide, said the SP.

He also said that as the language of the curators was not easily understandable, there was only a faint chance of Vignesh having played the game. “He might have committed suicide due to some psychological reasons and there is no coherence in his actions and evidences. As the investigations go deeper, ‘Blue Whale Game’ as the reason for the suicide gets fainter,” explained the SP. 

He further said that no one has seen the exact list of tasks given to people playing this game and no one knows who gives it. All discussions are based on mere assumptions, added the SP.

He went on to say that “Vignesh had informed his friends in a WhatsApp group on August 28 that he wanted to play the ‘Blue Whale Game’ and die after three days and his friends had reprimanded him. Unfortunately, as told by him he committed suicide on the third day”.

When asked about the autopsy report, he replied that there is no suspicion in the suicide. He also added that there was no clear proof that a blue whale drawing that was found on his hand was drawn by him and his parents too have no idea about it.