Three Sisters Tragically Leap to Their Deaths Over Gaming Obsession

Three young sisters from Bharat City, Ghaziabad, took their own lives by jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment building after their parents confiscated their mobile phones. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 14, 2024, and has raised alarm over the impact of digital addiction on youth.

The sisters, identified as Pakhi (12), Prachi (14), and Vishika (16), reportedly leapt one after the other from their balcony at approximately 2 a.m. Their parents attempted to intervene but were unable to unlock the door in time. Tragically, the girls left behind a disturbing eight-page note expressing their desperation, which began with the words, “Sorry, Papa.”

Eyewitnesses reported hearing the screams of the parents, which echoed through the streets, but it was too late to prevent the tragedy. According to local police, the incident appears to be connected to the girls’ intense fixation on a Korean mobile game, which they had been playing incessantly.

In their note, the sisters detailed their obsession with Korean culture, stating, “Korean was our life, so how dare you make us leave our life?” They expressed frustration over their parents’ attempts to limit their gaming and noted that their love for Korean entertainment overshadowed their familial bonds. The letter included references to popular figures from Korean entertainment and lamented the fact that their fourth sister, Devu, was not allowed to share in their interests, further alienating the siblings.

Police investigators revealed that the sisters had not attended school for nearly two years and had become “highly addicted” to their mobile game. Their parents had recently implemented restrictions on screen time, which may have contributed to their drastic actions. Officers are currently examining the girls’ mobile devices and diaries to identify the specific game that led to their obsession.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also been cited as a significant factor in the sisters’ isolation and increased gaming habits. The note revealed tensions within the family, indicating that the girls felt disconnected from their parents’ cultural preferences, particularly Bollywood, which their parents encouraged Devu to embrace.

Chetan Kumar, the girls’ father, expressed profound grief and regret, stating, “Neither a parent nor a child should experience this. Children shouldn’t be allowed to play such games. I would never have allowed them if I had known.”

This tragic incident highlights the pressing issue of digital addiction among children and teenagers, sparking discussions on the responsibilities of parents and the potential dangers of unchecked screen time. As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, many are calling for greater awareness and intervention strategies to combat the growing trend of gaming addiction.