Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has expressed profound shock and concern following reports of a tragic incident in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, where three sisters allegedly took their own lives. The distressing event occurred on Wednesday, with preliminary investigations suggesting a connection to the girls' intense engagement with Korean digital content and an online game.
Sonu Sood's Emotional Appeal on Social Media
In a strongly worded social media post, Sonu Sood shared his thoughts on the heartbreaking loss. He emphasized that the deaths were not due to violence or poverty but stemmed from the unseen pressures of online gaming and digital addiction. The actor called for immediate action to protect children from the potential harms of unrestricted digital access.
"Three young girls lost their lives in Ghaziabad today. Not to violence. Not to poverty. But to the unseen pressure of online gaming and digital addiction," Sood wrote. He further stated, "I've raised my voice before, and I'll say it again. Social media and online gaming must be restricted for children under 16, except for education. Childhood needs guidance, not algorithms. Care, not constant screens."
Sonu Sood underscored that his message is not about assigning blame but about fostering protection before it is too late. He urged society not to let this become another forgotten headline and stressed the urgency of taking concrete steps. In a separate video message, he captioned, "Social media can wait. Childhood can't," highlighting the critical need to prioritize children's well-being over digital distractions.
Details of the Ghaziabad Case
The three sisters have been identified as Vishika, aged 16, Prachi, aged 14, and Pakhi, aged 12. Reports indicate that they were deeply upset after their parents restricted their access to a Korean interactive love game. This distress reportedly led them to jump from their ninth-floor home in Ghaziabad.
Police Investigation Findings
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Patil revealed that preliminary investigations show the girls were significantly influenced by Korean content and spent excessive time on their mobile phones. According to police statements, two of the sisters jumped together while holding hands, and the third jumped alone from a prayer room window.
The girls left behind an eight-page suicide note and a pocket diary, which are currently under police examination. The note reportedly contained writings expressing their love for Korean culture, with phrases such as, "You tried to distance us from Koreans, but now you know how much we love Koreans." Additionally, writings on their room walls included messages like "I am very, very alone" and "make me a heart of broken."
Family and Background Insights
The grieving father, Chetan Kumar, shared that his daughters had developed an extreme addiction to Korean movies, music, and TV shows. He noted that this obsession began during the COVID-19 pandemic and was a contributing factor to their decision to drop out of school. Assistant Commissioner of Police Atul Kumar Singh added that the parents had recently restricted the girls' mobile phone usage, which may have triggered their drastic decision.
Ongoing Police Probe and Cyber Awareness
Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway, emphasizing the importance of cyber awareness in preventing such tragedies. Police have recovered a nine-page pocket diary from the girls' room, offering insights into their attachment to Korean culture and their struggles with family and financial issues.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Patil stated, "The pocket diary has been taken into custody and the matter is being investigated. We are examining the circumstances in which the diary was written and all related aspects." The diary reportedly contains repeated references to their love for Korea, with entries like "We love Korean. Love, love, love," along with a true life story narrative.
This tragic incident has sparked a broader conversation about digital addiction and the need for parental guidance and regulatory measures to safeguard young minds from the potential dangers of excessive online engagement.
