Three minor sisters aged 12, 14, and 16 died after jumping from a ninth-floor apartment in Ghaziabad. Police link the tragedy to Korean online gaming addiction and a suicide note blaming phone restrictions. Full details, investigation updates, and expert concerns inside.
Ghaziabad: In a deeply tragic incident that has shaken the entire community, three minor sisters allegedly died by suicide after jumping together from the ninth-floor balcony of their apartment in Bharat City Society, Ghaziabad, early Wednesday morning.
Police believe the girls developed an addiction to a Korean task-based online game, and this addiction, combined with their parents’ recent restrictions on phone use, played a major role in the incident.
The Tragic Incident
The three sisters—Pakhi (12), Prachi (14), and Vishika/Nishika (16)—lived with their father, Chetan Kumar, in Flat No. 907 of Tower B1 at Bharat City Society.
The incident happened between 2:00 AM and 2:15 AM. The girls reportedly jumped from the balcony or window of the family’s prayer room. Police found that the sisters had placed a plastic chair near the ledge to help them climb and jump.
An eyewitness said they felt something was wrong, rushed outside, and saw the girls falling. The witness immediately called an ambulance.Nearby residents found the sisters’ bodies badly injured on the ground floor, triggering panic and shock in the area.
Family Background and Daily Life
The girls were the daughters of Chetan Kumar. Family members and neighbors said the sisters were extremely close to each other. They did everything together, including eating, bathing, going to school, and sleeping.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the girls had not been attending school regularly. Reports say the eldest sister was still studying in Class 4. There was no criminal history, no known family disputes, and no outside pressure reported before this incident.
Addiction to Online Gaming
Initial police investigations show that the sisters developed an addiction to a Korean task-based online game nearly 2 to 2.5 years ago, during the COVID lockdown period.
The game is described as a “Korean lover” or “love game.” It reportedly had 50 levels or tasks, and the final task allegedly promoted suicide as the end goal. The game encouraged players to become emotionally attached, stay engaged for long hours, and blur the line between real life and the virtual world.
Over time, the girls became emotionally dependent on the game and started distancing themselves from family life.
Phone Restriction and Rising Distress
In the past few days before the incident, the parents noticed the girls were spending too much time on their phones. As a result, they restricted phone usage.
This led to arguments. The sisters reportedly told their parents:
“We cannot leave Korea. Korea is our life, and you can’t make us leave it.”
The emotional stress increased after the phone restriction. While the family members were asleep, the sisters took this extreme step together.
Suicide Note and Evidence Found
Police recovered an 8-page handwritten suicide note from the house. The note said:
“Mummy-Papa sorry… we cannot leave Korea. Korea is our life, and you can’t make us leave it. That’s why we are committing suicide.”
The note included sad emojis and lines such as:
“A True Life Story. DO READ IT MUMMY PAPA. SORRY MUMMY PAPA.”
While the note apologized to the parents, it clearly showed the girls’ deep emotional attachment to the online game. No individual person was blamed in the note.
Police Investigation and Official Statements
ACP Shalimar Garden, Atul Kumar Singh, confirmed the incident and said:
“Three girls from the Bharat City society jumped to death from their balcony. They were taken to Loni Hospital, where doctors declared them dead.”
DCP Nimish Patil added:
“The family told us they had restricted phone use for the girls over the past few days. The girls were troubled by this. It is becoming clear that they were influenced by Korean culture.”
Police seized the mobile phones of the girls and sent them for forensic examination to check the game content, instructions, and any messages. At present, police say no foul play is suspected, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Father’s Emotional Appeal
A grieving Chetan Kumar said:
“They told me, ‘Papa, we cannot leave Korean. Korean is our life. Korean is everything to us. You cannot separate us from it. We will give up our lives.’ I have now seen the suicide note. This is very tragic.”
He added that forensic officials told the family about the game’s harmful influence. He made a strong appeal to parents, saying:
“I request all parents to be careful and make sure children do not get so deeply attached to online games.”
Then he also said he did not fully realize how serious the addiction had become.
Community Shock and Wider Concerns
The incident has caused widespread shock and grief. It has raised serious concerns about online gaming addiction, especially among children after the COVID period.
On social media, people are expressing sadness and calling for stricter rules, age checks, mental health reviews, and greater responsibility from online platforms. There were no warning signs apart from the gaming issue, and the family did not report any earlier mental health problems.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for parental awareness, digital safety, and mental health support for children. Authorities are continuing the investigation, and post-mortem reports are awaited.
Overcoming Gaming Addiction: Steps for Parents and Children
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by online gaming addiction, recognized by the World Health Organization as a disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling, early intervention can make a difference. Here are evidence-based steps tailored for families in India:
| Step | What Parents Can Do | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Recognize the Signs | Watch for early warning signals | Excessive gaming (over 3–4 hours daily), withdrawal from family or friends, poor hygiene or grades, irritability when restricted, neglect of daily duties, and confusion between game and real life are major red flags. |
| Open Communication | Talk calmly and without blame | Start a non-judgmental conversation. Acknowledge the child’s feelings and express concern gently instead of scolding. Encourage them to talk openly. |
| Set Healthy Limits | Control screen time in a balanced way | Use parental controls on phones and apps. Fix clear rules such as no gaming after 8 PM or during meals. Reduce gaming hours gradually to avoid resistance. |
| Promote Alternatives | Replace gaming with positive activities | Encourage sports, hobbies, outdoor play, reading, yoga, or community activities. In India, options like NCC and Khelo India programs can help build routine and discipline. |
| Seek Professional Help | Get expert guidance when needed | Consult a psychologist or counselor trained in addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is proven to help with gaming disorder. Institutes like NIMHANS offer support. |
| Government & Community Support | Use available support systems | Follow MeitY guidelines on online gaming safety. Join parent support groups through platforms like YourDOST or local NGOs for guidance and shared experiences. |
Remember, recovery is possible with patience and support—many have overcome similar challenges.
Helplines for Immediate Support
If you’re in crisis or know someone who is, reach out 24/7—these free, confidential services are available across India:
• Tele-MANAS (National Mental Health Helpline): 14416 or 1-800-91-4416 (multilingual support).
• iCall (TISS, Mumbai): 022-25521111 (counseling for addiction and mental health).
• Vandrevala Foundation: 9999666555 (suicide prevention and emotional support).
• AASRA: +91-9820466726 (crisis intervention for youth).
Remember, you are not alone. Seeking help is the first step toward recovery and a brighter future—your story doesn’t end here, and support is just a call away.
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