Selfie obsession claimed over 15 lives in north Andhra in 2 years

VISAKHAPATNAM: Around one week ago, two youngsters— B Ramana Reddy (22) and N Santhosh (21) drowned in a beach near Kuppili in Srikakulam district while trying to take a selfie on a mobile camera. The duo got swept away by a wave while posing for a picture.
The obsession with selfies has recurrently claimed lives in different parts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts of north Andhra. In the last two years, more than 15 people have lost their lives in selfie-related accidents. The police say that while selfie deaths are a worrying trend, they do not have the power to control youngsters.
According to the police, around one year ago, two youngsters drowned in a beach in Vizag while trying to take a selfie. In a similar manner, three youngsters drowned while taking a selfie at the Chaparai waterfalls under Dumbriguda mandal near Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam Agency.
Speaking to TOI, a senior police official said that north Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a number of fatal accidents at various places owing to people taking selfies. However, youngsters continue to put themselves at risk, posing for self-shot photographs at beaches and other dangerous locations, he added.
He further said, “Even though we have issued warnings, our warnings have largely been ignored.”
Recently, there was a proposal from the police and tourism departments to demarcate ‘no selfie zones’ to prevent selfie-related deaths. The proposal however got shelved by authorities who claimed that there was a lack of legal support.
Among the many tourist spots in north Andhra Pradesh, the police have installed warning signs at a waterfall near Anantagiri in Visakhapatnam Agency.
DCP Vizag, S Ranga Reddy said, “We have intensified patrolling at beaches and other tourist spots in the city to prevent open drinking and eve-teasing. Our teams also issue cautionary notices to visitors and will also put up warning signs to prevent selfie-related deaths. It is the duty of visitors to follow the directions of the police to prevent tragic incidents.”
According to city-based advocate K Swaroop, there is no specific act to notify dangerous areas and ‘no selfie zones’. It is also difficult to deploy the police at all waterfalls and other risky locations. Youngsters have to understand the risks of taking selfies at dangerous places, he added.