A quiet residential complex in Ghaziabad’s Bharat City township woke up to heartbreak in the early hours of Wednesday when three sisters, aged 12, 14 and 16, died after jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment. The girls were rushed to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
Police say the sisters were students and had been spending long hours on a task-based Korean mobile game, which they reportedly started playing during the COVID-19 lockdown. Over time, the game appeared to consume much of their attention, affecting their studies and daily routine.
According to investigators, the parents had recently expressed concern over their daughters’ excessive screen time and asked them to reduce gaming. On Tuesday night, a disagreement reportedly took place at home over the issue. Soon after, the girls locked themselves inside a room.
Family members told police they heard movement and tried to break open the door, but before they could intervene, the sisters jumped from the balcony. Neighbours alerted security after hearing a loud sound, but it was already too late.
A suicide note and diary entries recovered from the room suggest deep emotional distress. In one message, the girls apologised to their parents and asked them to read the diary to understand their feelings. Police are examining the contents carefully, along with the girls’ mobile phones and online activity, to determine whether the game involved any form of psychological pressure or harmful challenges.
There is no evidence so far of external coercion, but officials say the investigation is ongoing. The tragedy has sparked widespread concern about children’s vulnerability in digital spaces, particularly unsupervised gaming and online communities that may blur the line between fantasy and reality.
Mental health experts say the incident underlines the need for open communication between parents and children, early signs of emotional distress to be taken seriously, and professional support when behavioural changes appear.
As the family mourns an unimaginable loss, the incident stands as a painful reminder that behind screens and games, young minds may be silently struggling and need understanding, guidance and help long before it is too late.
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