Blue whale challenge not a game but a death trap: Victim recounts experience

Asia

A 22-year-old man who was rescued while playing the dreaded Blue Whale Challenge in Karaikal recounted his horrific experience and appealed to people not to try the game on any account, saying “not an app or a game” but a “virtual death trap ”.

Alexander of Neravy in the district, who was rescued on Tuesday by police told reporters in the presence of superintendent of police Vamseedhar Reddy on Wednesday that he chose to meet the media to explain the dangers involved in the game and to dissuade others from playing it.

He revealed that he received the link to play the game on a WhatsApp group formed by his colleagues, two weeks back and started playing the game when he had come to Neravy on leave.

“It is not an app or a game to be downloaded.. It is just a link customised for individuals playing the game by the blue whale admin,” he said adding after starting to play the game, he did not go to Chennai to join duty.

“The tasks given by the admin are to be completed only after 2am everyday. First few days went into posting personal details and photographs, which were collected by the blue whale admin,” he added.

A few days back, Alexander was asked to visit a nearby graveyard at midnight and take a selfie and post it online.

“I went to the Akkaraivattam graveyard around midnight, took a selfie and posted it.. Everyday, I had to watch horror movies alone, as the idea was to make victims shun fear,” he said.

“I avoided talking to people at home and remained confined to my room.. It was mentally taxing.. Though I wanted to get out of the game, I could not do so,” he said.

Fortunately, his brother Ajith, who noticed behavioural changes in him, informed police who visited his residence at 4am on Tuesday and rescued Alexander as he was about to draw the image of a whale with a knife on his arm.

Stating that he was stable now following the counselling sessions, Alexander appealed to fellow youths to never try the game.

“It is a virtual death trap.. You will go though an agonising experience.. Even those who seek adventures, will be mentally affected,” he warned.

Source: hindustantimes