Three minor sisters were found dead after falling from the ninth floor of their apartment building in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, in a case that has shocked the city and raised serious concerns about teenage mental health and online influence.
The girls, aged 16, 14 and 12, lived with their family in a residential society in the Crossings Republik area. Police believe the sisters died by suicide. An investigation is underway, but officials say there were no signs of foul play.
According to the police, an eight-page diary and a suicide note were recovered from the flat. The writings suggest the girls were deeply influenced by Korean pop culture, including K-pop music, Korean dramas and online mobile games. The diary shows they had created a strong emotional connection with an online world that slowly became central to their lives.
Family members told investigators that the sisters spent most of their time on mobile phones and social media. Over time, they began using Korean names online and built digital identities that were very different from their real lives. They reportedly had a significant following on social media platforms, which further strengthened their attachment to this virtual world.
The diary also reveals growing emotional distress and a feeling of being misunderstood at home. The girls wrote about conflicts with their father, especially when restrictions were placed on phone usage and online activities. One entry reportedly asked, “Will you stop us from going to Korea?”, reflecting how deeply they associated their dreams and happiness with Korean culture.
Police said the obsession appeared to intensify during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when screen time increased and social interaction became limited. Over time, the sisters became more withdrawn, preferring their online space over real-world connections.
Authorities have sent the diary for further examination and are speaking to family members, teachers and friends to better understand the pressures the girls were facing. Mental health experts say the incident highlights the need for parents to stay emotionally connected with children, monitor online activity, and encourage open conversations rather than strict control.
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