Ghaziabad’s Triple Tragedy: Three sisters allegedly jumped off their building under Korean game influence!

In a very tragic case, which has attracted publicity all over India, three young sisters, aged 12, 14 and 16 were reported dead after they apparently committed suicide in their apartment from the ninth floor of the Bharat City Society, Ghaziabad early in the morning on 3 February. According to the police, the girls, who were called Nishika, Prachi and Pakhi, had left behind them handwritten notes of great length, along with a diary, which indicated that they were going through tough personal problems, among them being a fixation with the material online, as well as Korean pop culture.  

Early research shows that the siblings were already alienated towards school and family activities, and were spending too much time on mobile phones, social media and computer games. The diary is supposed to have mentioned Korean culture and emotional distress and authorities are investigating the details as part of an extended investigation of the mental health of the girls and the strain that they were under.  

The police reassured that no foul play in the scene was detected and the case is being investigated as a suicide. Their bodies were then brought in to be examined further as an investigation into the matter goes on. The police are also investigating the mobile phones, digital activity and family background of the girls to get a better insight into the events preceding the tragedy.  

Members of the family have also been giving speeches regarding the interests of the children and the new limitations in practices of using phones, whereas neighbours have reported the case as heartbreaking and shocking to the community. Child welfare organizations and local authorities have indicated that the case raises issues regarding the exposure of children to digital media and their social isolation and the necessity of creating better mental health awareness and support to the youth.  

~ This case has triggered the conversation on mental health support at the national level, responsible digital use and parental attention, and professionals are encouraging families and schools to pay attention to signs of distress and seek assistance when necessary.