The popular Japanese manga series Death Note has once again found itself at the center of controversy following the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old boy in Bengaluru. The Class 7 student, identified as Gandhara, was discovered dead at his home on August 3rd, with police investigating a potential link between his death and his reported obsession with the Death Note series.
Death Note is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, which was serialized from December 2003 to May 2006. The story revolves around Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in its pages, provided the writer knows their face. Light, disillusioned with the state of the world, decides to use the Death Note to eliminate criminals and create a perfect, crime-free society, assuming the alias "Kira".
However, his actions attract the attention of L, an enigmatic and brilliant detective who dedicates himself to stopping Kira. The series follows their intense cat-and-mouse game, exploring themes of justice, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. Death Note was adapted into a 37-episode anime series (2006-2007), several live-action films (2006-2016), and a TV drama in 2015. It has achieved global popularity, selling over 30 million copies worldwide and garnering praise for its psychological depth and thought-provoking moral questions.
In the recent Bengaluru case, police investigations revealed that the deceased teenager was deeply engrossed with Death Note, with his room adorned with posters and drawings of characters from the series. This discovery has led investigators to consider the possibility that the show's themes may have influenced the boy's mental state. The boy left a suicide note expressing his apologies to his family. The note stated, "Whoever is reading this, please don't cry. I am already in heaven...I did this to make this house a better place".
The incident has ignited concerns about the impact of dark and potentially disturbing content on young viewers, as well as the dangers of excessive screen time. This isn't the first time Death Note has been linked to tragic events. In 2013, some parents in Russia called for a ban on the manga after a teenage girl's suicide was allegedly connected to her possession of Death Note volumes.
Experts emphasize the importance of parental monitoring of children's media consumption and online activities. They also highlight the need to address the broader mental health crisis among young people and provide them with the necessary support and resources. While Death Note explores complex themes and can be appreciated for its artistic merit and intellectual stimulation, its dark subject matter may not be suitable for all audiences, especially vulnerable teenagers. The series delves into themes of death, justice, and morality, which can be overwhelming or misinterpreted by young individuals struggling with their mental health.
The police have confiscated the teenager's mobile phone for forensic examination and are investigating the case from all angles, as the exact reason for his suicide remains unclear. The parents stated that he had no known problems at school or home. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the potential influence of media on young minds and the importance of responsible consumption and open communication between parents and children. It also underscores the need for increased awareness and support for mental health issues among adolescents.
