What is the Blue Whale challenge, linked to Indian student's death in US?

The Blue Whale challenge is linked to a student's death in US (Representational image)

The Blue Whale challenge, or the “suicide game”, has been linked to the death of an Indian student in the US. The 20-year-old was found dead in a car in Freetown on March 8. The death of the first-year University of Massachusetts student was initially reported as murder, but Gregg Miliote, a spokesperson for the Bristol County District Attorney, has now said the case is being investigated as “apparent suicide.” The student’s name is being withheld as per his family’s wishes.

It is believed that the 20-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh was involved in the Blue Whale challenge, which led to his death by suicide. However, US officials investigating the case have neither confirmed nor denied this. “We have no information on this. The case is being investigated as an apparent suicide,” Miliote said.

What is the Blue Whale challenge?

The Blue Whale challenge is a sinister online game where participants are given 50 tasks to complete over 50 days. The tasks get increasingly difficult as the days progress. As the final task, participants are challenged to kill themselves.

The University of Massachusetts student died while holding his breath, officials say.

The Indian government had wanted to ban this game years ago but settled for a more detailed advisory instead, reported news agency IANS. In its advisory issued in 2017, the IT ministry described the game as “abetment to suicide.” The Blue Whale challenge is shared among secretive groups on social media networks, the advisory said, quoting internet reports.

It cautioned that the creators seek out people who are battling depression and invite them to join the challenge. An anonymous “curator”, also known as “group administrator”, hands out tasks that the players must complete within 50 days.

The tasks must be completed, documented and posted online. “Players of the challenge can’t stop playing once they’ve started; they are blackmailed and cyber bullied into completing the ‘game’,” the advisory notes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out immediately to a suicide prevention helpline. You can find some phone numbers and contact information here:

iCall Psychosocial Helpline - 022-25521111 (Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 10 PM)
Aasra - 91-9820466726 (24 hour helpline)
Mitram Foundation - +91 80 2572 2573 or +91-90197 08133 from 10 am to 4 pm on all days.Samaritans Mumbai - +91 84229 84528 / +91 84229 84529 / +91 84229 84530 (5 pm to 8 pm, all days)