Unable to play PUBG, student commits suicide

Distressed over not being able to play PUBG following the app’s ban in the nation, a 21-year-old boy died by suicide.

The deceased person, identified as Pritam Halder, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his residence in the Purba Lalpur locality in West Bengal’s Nadia district. According to the boy’s mother, he was addicted to PUBG and was frustrated over not being able to play the online game following its ban. He reportedly went to his room after having breakfast Friday morning and did not come out. “When I went to call him for lunch, his room was locked from inside. After repeated bangings when he did not open the door, I called the neighbours. They broke into the room and found him hanging from the ceiling fan,” the boy’s mother stated. Talking about the game, she added, “He would play it at night. I think he died by suicide as he was not being able to play PUBG.” The police have registered a case of unnatural death and investigation of the matter is currently in progress.

PUBG is an online battle royale game that gained traction soon after its PC and Xbox One launch and became a sensation when the game was released on iOS and Android devices. It is one of the most successful and highly addictive games that is popular among young adults across the globe right now. However, on the downside, the adverse effects of the game have massively impacted the youth. Last week, the Indian government banned over 100 Chinese apps, including PUBG.