Ghaziabad: A heartbreaking incident has shaken Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district after three minor sisters lost their lives late Wednesday night by jumping from the terrace of their residential building. Police are investigating claims that the extreme step may be linked to tensions at home over excessive online gaming.
The victims have been identified as Pakhi (12), Prachi (14) and Vishika (16), residents of a housing complex in Bharat City township. Neighbours and relatives described the sisters as inseparable, saying they shared a strong emotional bond and spent most of their time together.
According to preliminary information gathered by the police, the incident occurred around 2 am when the girls allegedly jumped from the rooftop of their building. Family members and local residents rushed them to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared all three dead on arrival.
Investigators are examining the possibility that the sisters were under emotional distress following objections raised by their parents regarding their online activities. Sources familiar with the inquiry said the girls had become deeply involved in online gaming over the past few years, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown period, when screen time reportedly increased significantly.
Police officials said the sisters were allegedly playing an online task-based game, sometimes referred to as a “Korean love game,” and their involvement may have grown to the point where it began affecting their daily routine. There are indications that their schooling had also suffered, with reports suggesting irregular attendance and declining engagement with studies.
However, authorities have clarified that no conclusion has been reached so far. A case has been registered, and investigators are carefully examining mobile phones, tablets and other digital devices to understand the nature of the online content the girls were exposed to. Police are also checking whether any messages, instructions or digital trails exist that could explain their mental state before the incident.
Officials said no suicide note has been recovered yet. Statements of family members, neighbours and friends are being recorded to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about children’s mental health, online gaming addiction and the need for greater awareness and communication between parents and teenagers.
