Consider what you’re about to read next a three-pronged warning. First, do not sign away your personal information or photos without knowing completely what you’re getting into. There’s a whole thread about it as well that I suggest you read. Second, when using pictures off the internet, exercise caution. And finally, third, can we just get done already with this #KikiChallenge nonsense?
The most important question of our times, “Kiki, do you love me?” is ruining lives. It is also inspiring local law enforcement authorities to come up with creative ways to warn people form attempting this stupid viral challenge.
Remember when the Mumbai Police’s official Twitter account came up with their own #KikiChallenge?
Not just a risk for you but your act can put life of others at risk too. Desist from public nuisance or face the music ! #DanceYourWayToSafety #InMySafetyFeelingsChallenge pic.twitter.com/gY2txdcxWZ
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) July 26, 2018
And so did the Punjab Police’s….
There has been an alarming rise in dangerous on-road behavior as a result of irresponsible social media challenges posted by nefarious elements.
We strongly recommend you to abide by the official statement released by the ADGP Traffic, Punjab Police, in this regard. pic.twitter.com/SJP3I4qWKg
— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) August 1, 2018
As for the Jaipur Police, they took the game a notch higher, and came up with this macabre post on their Facebook and Twitter handles.
Don't challenge death. Be wise – keep away from silly stunts & advise your friends as well to stay safe.#InOurFeelings #KikiKills #SafetyFirst #SafeJaipur #JaipurPolice
Posted by Jaipur Police on Monday, July 30, 2018
Nice, right? Drives the message home and all! A bit too severely, it turns out.
When friends and relatives of Jawahar Subhash Chandra, a guy from Kochi, came across this post, they were shocked and devastated. Not because Jawahar had died in pursuit of a ridiculous internet challenge. But because he was, in fact, still alive!
NDTV reports that the 30-year-old was swarmed with frantic calls and messages inquiring about his life status. Funnily enough, the man had never even attempted to do the #KikiChallenge and was still somehow roped into it.
Surprisingly enough, some people on Twitter too realised this and began tweeting to Jaipur Police about the mistake they’d made.
मेरे खयाल से ये शख्स तो ज़िंदा है ! https://t.co/0C68HLx2Sz
— Ashok Jangid (@ajangid03) August 2, 2018
Distateful!! @JaipurPolice why would you use this Kochi based young man's photograph when he is alive and has nothing to do with #KikiChallenge !! I thought at least police will be against fake news!! #Kerala https://t.co/NIyBlBR27T
— Sneha Koshy (@SnehaMKoshy) August 3, 2018
जो आदमी जिन्दा हैं। उसकी खबर पुलिस द्वारा किस प्रकार फैलाई जा रही हैं। अभी तक हटाया भी नही। लेकिन तुम्हें कहने वाला कौन हैं! अगर कोई आम नागरिक झूठी खबर
फैलता हैं। तो आप उसके ऊपर कानूनी कार्रवाई करते हो!
आप पर कोन करेगा!— Sdm Jharwal (@SdmJharwal) August 3, 2018
As to how his picture turned up on this post,
Jawahar did a modelling assignment a few years ago. The picture was up on a stock photo website, from where Jaipur Police purchased it and used it here.
Moral of the story: The #KikiChallenge is so dangerous that even when you don’t do it, you might get into trouble. So steer very very clear of it, okay?