Case in Salem: 8th-Grade Student Commits Suicide After Being Scolded for Playing Online Games
Tamil Nadu: A tragic incident has come to light in the Nethimedu area of Annathanapatti, Salem, where an 8th-grade student allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself after being scolded by his mother. The incident has cast a pall of grief and concern over the entire locality. The police are currently investigating the matter.
According to reports, the deceased student, Vaithiswaran, lived with his family in the Nethimedu area of Salem. His father, Shanmugavel, had previously been arrested in a criminal case and is currently lodged in Salem Central Prison. The responsibility of running the household rested with his mother, Keusaliya, a homemaker who looks after the children. The family consists of two sons, of whom Vaithiswaran was the elder.
On the day of the incident—Friday evening—Vaithiswaran was observed playing online games on his mobile phone. His mother scolded him for this and counseled him regarding the excessive use of the mobile phone. It is reported that, following this exchange, he retreated to his room.
Later that evening, after finishing her household chores, Keusaliya entered the room and discovered her son hanging from a noose. Shocked by the sight, she raised an alarm, prompting neighbors to rush to the scene.
Upon receiving the information, the Annathanapatti police immediately arrived at the scene. The police have taken custody of the body and sent it to the Salem Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may be linked to a domestic reprimand; however, the police are examining all angles of the case.
The police have registered a case regarding this incident, and further investigations are underway. This tragic event has once again raised questions concerning mobile phone and online gaming addiction among children, as well as the mental stress they face.
