Rural cops launch probe into death of teenage boy

Kochi: Ernakulam rural police have launched a detailed probe into the death of a 17-year-old boy who was found dead at Elamkunnapuzha beach on Friday, following reports that he was addicted to gaming.Arjun Kumar of Njarakkal went missing on Thursday afternoon. Police found CCTV footage of the teenager walking alone along the beach. Police sources said that, as per autopsy report, death was due to drowning and prima facie they considered it a suicide, pending further investigation.According to a senior officer, they collected statements from the boy's relatives and friends, who provided information that he was addicted to his phone and engaged in gaming. Police said they suspected that depression due to phone addiction could have triggered suicide and a detailed investigation was launched."We found a phone on the body, but it sustained damage as it was immersed in water. A forensic examination will be held to try to retrieve data from the phone, to see if any specific game is connected to the death," said an officer.The body was handed over to the family after an autopsy on Saturday. Meanwhile, mystery behind the death of a 16-year-old girl in Chottanikkara, who was found dead in a quarry pond, is still to be unravelled. The girl reportedly died by suicide after coming to know about the death of her ‘Korean' social media friend. Police are still trying to find out who was behind this account, even as the girl's phone was sent to Thiruvananthapuram forensic lab for scientific examination.Suicides are preventable and help is a phone call away. Those in distress can call Maitri at 0484 2540530.Cops seek information on body found in sea: City police issued a notice seeking information on a body found in the Arabian Sea. The body was severely decomposed.The body was recovered from the sea, around five nautical miles off Kochi coast, based on an alert from port control. Police registered a case on Wednesday and launched a probe.The deceased was suspected to have died more than a week ago, police said. Those who can share any credible information may contact coastal police: 0484 2215006.