Mumbai sets no-selfie zones as deaths linked to selfies rise

MUMBAI, India -- Look around in any major Indian city, and you will find someone with an arm outstretched, mobile phone in hand, smiling widely and clicking away.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embraced the medium, posting pictures online he's snapped with various world leaders.

But the pursuit of the most epic selfie can have lethal consequences.

India is home to the highest number of people who have died while taking photos of themselves, with 19 of the world's 49 recorded selfie-linked deaths since 2014, according to San Francisco-based data service provider Priceonomics.

The statistic may be due in part to India's sheer size, with 1.25 billion citizens and one of the world's fastest-growing smartphone markets.

Alarmed by the trend, Mumbai has declared 16 no-selfie zones across the city, as authorities warn people against taking unnecessary risks.

Police have declared selfies off-limits in areas perceived as risky -- particularly along the coastline in spots with no railings or barriers.

Anyone venturing into off-limits areas, even if he or she takes no photos, risks being slapped with a fine of 1,200 rupees, or about $18.

After a woman's death last month, the city's police conducted a survey to identify such dangerous places, police official Dhananjay Kulkarni said.

The city also plans to run an awareness campaign.