UP Women's Panel Chief Urges Parental Vigilance After Ghaziabad Sisters' Tragic Deaths
In a heart-wrenching incident that has shocked the community, three minor sisters, aged 12, 14, and 16, died after allegedly jumping from the ninth floor of their residential building in Ghaziabad's Bharat City Society earlier this week. The tragedy, which occurred under the jurisdiction of the Trans-Hindon police station, has prompted urgent calls for action from authorities.
Commission Chairperson Meets Grieving Family
Four days after the devastating event, Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission Chairperson Babita Singh Chauhan visited the grieving family on Saturday to offer condolences and assure them of all possible support. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, Chauhan highlighted the critical need for parental oversight in children's digital lives.
"I appeal to children to stay away from excessive mobile phone use and request parents to keep a constant eye on their children," Chauhan stated while speaking to reporters. She emphasized that unsupervised mobile phone usage among young people is a growing concern that requires immediate attention.
Concerns Over Online Gaming and Screen Dependency
Police investigations revealed that the sisters were reportedly obsessed with "Korean culture" and left behind a purported suicide note mentioning several online games. This has raised alarms about the potential dangers of online gaming addiction and its impact on mental health.
Chauhan further addressed the issue by taking proactive steps to reduce screen dependency in education. "I have sent letters to the District Magistrate requesting that no homework should be given to children up to Class 5 that requires the use of mobile phones. Young children should not be forced into screen dependency for their education," she explained. This move aims to protect younger students from early exposure to digital devices in academic settings.
Call for Thorough Investigation and Support
The Women's Commission is actively collaborating with local authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the case. "The police are investigating the case, and we expect a thorough and transparent probe so that the truth comes out," Chauhan affirmed. She added that the commission remains in close contact with the family to provide any necessary assistance during this difficult time.
The sisters were cremated at Delhi's Nigam Bodh Ghat on Wednesday evening, marking a somber conclusion to the tragic event. As the community mourns, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for:
- Enhanced parental monitoring of children's online activities
- Stricter guidelines on mobile phone usage in educational contexts
- Increased awareness about the risks associated with excessive screen time and online gaming
This tragedy underscores the broader societal challenge of balancing technology use with child safety, urging families and institutions to work together in fostering healthier digital habits among the youth.
