Ghaziabad Tragedy: Gaming Addiction and Isolation Probe After Sisters' Death
In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the community, three minor sisters died after reportedly jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment in Bharat City Society, Loni, Ghaziabad. The victims have been identified as Nishika (16), Prachi (14), and Pakhi (12), whose tragic demise has raised serious concerns about the impact of online gaming addiction and educational disruption on young minds.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The incident occurred around 2:15 am when the sisters reportedly jumped from the window of the temple room in their flat. According to initial investigations, they used a chair placed near the window to climb and jump one after another. Police confirmed the deaths upon arrival at the scene, and the sisters were taken by ambulance to a 50-bed hospital in Loni where doctors declared them dead. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Educational Disruption and Prolonged Isolation
A disturbing aspect of this case is the educational background of the sisters. All three had reportedly not attended school since the Covid-19 pandemic began, highlighting prolonged educational disruption during their formative years. Nishika, the eldest at 16, was enrolled only in Class 4, indicating significant academic setbacks that contributed to their isolation from mainstream social and educational environments.
Addiction to Korean Gaming Application
Investigators have revealed that the sisters were reportedly addicted to a Korean task-based online gaming application. Their parents had repeatedly reprimanded them about excessive gaming and had recently barred them from using the app, which authorities believe may have contributed to their extreme actions. The sisters were so absorbed in the online game that they had begun addressing each other with Korean names, indicating deep immersion in the virtual world.
Handwritten Note and Digital Evidence
At the scene, police discovered a handwritten note titled "True Life Story" written in a mix of Hindi and English. The note apologized to their father and indicated that the sisters wanted their experiences to be understood. Investigators are now analyzing the sisters' digital activity linked to the Korean gaming app, along with handwritten notes, diaries, and other evidence found at the flat to understand the full context of their actions.
Mental Health and Family Circumstances Under Scrutiny
The investigation is focusing on multiple factors including mental health aspects, family circumstances, and the influence of online gaming. The prolonged isolation from school since the pandemic, combined with deep immersion in a foreign gaming culture, created a perfect storm of vulnerability. Authorities are examining how these elements interacted to lead to such a tragic outcome.
Community Impact and Broader Implications
This incident has sent shockwaves through the Ghaziabad community and raised important questions about digital addiction among youth, the long-term effects of educational disruption, and the need for better mental health support systems. The case highlights how virtual worlds can sometimes replace real-world connections with dangerous consequences, especially when combined with social isolation and educational challenges.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the complete timeline of events and understand the complex factors that led to this tragedy. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in today's digital age and the importance of balanced screen time, continued education, and strong family support systems.
