“Addicted to Korean Games, Three Sisters Take Own Lives by Jumping from Ninth Floor”

In a harrowing incident in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, three sisters tragically ended their lives by jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment building. The sisters, aged 12, 14, and 16, reportedly had a deep fixation on Korean online games and culture, which authorities believe may have contributed to the heartbreaking event.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday night, 3 February, shocking neighbours and the local community. Before taking their lives, the sisters left behind a handwritten suicide note that read simply: “Sorry, Papa”, accompanied by a crying emoji. Additionally, a pocket diary was found at the scene, containing eight pages detailing their gaming habits, mobile phone usage, and reflections on their mental state.

According to reports, the sisters locked themselves inside their apartment balcony and jumped out one by one. Their screams and the sound of their fall woke their parents, neighbours, and security personnel in the complex. By the time their parents broke down the door to reach the balcony, it was too late.

Assistant Police Commissioner Atul Kumar Singh confirmed the tragedy, stating: “Upon reaching the scene, we confirmed that the three daughters of Chetan Kumar had jumped from the building.”

Family members revealed that the sisters were heavily engrossed in a so-called “Korean love game,” even adopting Korean names for themselves and performing almost all activities together. Their obsession reportedly began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they had completely stopped attending school two years ago. The middle sister, Prachi (14), was perceived as a leader both in family matters and within their gaming world.

Recently, their parents had restricted their mobile phone usage. Police believe that the inability to access their phones for several days may have caused extreme psychological distress. Notes found on the walls of their home included phrases such as “I am very lonely” and “My heart is broken”.

In a tearful statement, their father, Chetan Kumar, said: “They used to say—Korea is our life. We cannot give it up. I hope no parent has to face such a tragedy. I urge all parents to be vigilant about their children’s online gaming habits.”

Senior police officer Nimish Patel added that the exact name of the game has not yet been confirmed. Authorities are analysing the suicide notes and diary entries as part of the ongoing investigation.

Summary of the Tragic Incident

The incident has reignited debates in India over the psychological impacts of online gaming among children and the importance of parental monitoring.