Several Rajya Sabha members on Thursday expressed concern over some online games that encouraged young users to break laws and even commit suicide. They demanded that such games be blocked.
Member Amar Shankar Sable first raised the issue stating that one Manpreet, who allegedly committed suicide by jumping from a building in Mumbai’s Andheri last month, was playing “Blue Whale” game for 50 days. About 130 suicides linked to the game had been reported from the U.S., Russia, England and Italy, he said. Mr. Sable said the players were given instructions such as “watch horror movies”, “travel without ticket in train”, and later they are told to commit suicide. He sought action to ensure that young people were not influenced by such games, stating that the issue was also raised in the Maharashtra Assembly.
Member Vikas Vikas Mahatme said such games were very addictive. Samajwadi Party’s Sanjay Seth said there should be provisions to remove such games from websites.
In the Rajya Sabha, Congress members alleged that a Chhattisgarh Minister’s wife had bought forest land in the State to construct a resort, which was opposed by BJP members saying it was a State issue. Deputy Chairman P. J. Kurien turned down the notice given by members Pramod Tiwari and P.L. Punia, seeking discussion on the issue. The Chair asked them to give some other notice.
