Tragic Suicide of Three Indian Sisters Linked to Korean Gaming Addiction
In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through communities worldwide, three teenage sisters in India have died by suicide after their parents restricted their access to online gaming. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, outside New Delhi, and has reignited urgent conversations about screen addiction, the mental health of young people, and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital behaviors.
Details of the Late-Night Tragedy
Police reports confirm that the three sisters—Nishika, 16, Prachi, 14, and Pakhi, 12—jumped one after another from the ninth-floor balcony of their family's apartment building around 2:15 a.m. Authorities from the Uttar Pradesh Police responded swiftly to emergency calls, arriving at the scene to find the girls had fallen to the ground floor. Despite being rushed to Loni Hospital by ambulance, all three were pronounced dead upon arrival. Legal proceedings are currently underway as investigators work to piece together the full circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
The Role of Gaming and Korean Culture Obsession
According to Indian media outlet NDTV, the sisters left behind an eight-page suicide note written in a diary and addressed to their parents. The note reportedly detailed their intense passion for online gaming and what their father, Chetan Kumar, described as an "extreme addiction to everything Korean." Kumar revealed that the girls had become deeply obsessed with a "Korean love game" they played on his mobile phone, an attachment that escalated dramatically after their parents recently banned them from using the device.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Patel told NDTV that "for the past few days, they had been denied access to a mobile phone, a restriction that appeared to have affected them profoundly." The sisters were reportedly distraught over their inability to play the game, which had become a central part of their daily lives.
How the Pandemic Fueled the Addiction
The girls' gaming obsession reportedly began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when many young people turned to digital platforms for entertainment and social connection. NDTV reports that the sisters frequently skipped school and eventually stopped attending altogether about two years ago, with their focus shifting entirely to online activities. Their father expressed deep remorse, stating, "This should not happen to any parent or child. I was not aware of the game, or I would have never let them play it."
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
Police are continuing their investigation to confirm specific details, including the exact name of the game involved. Patel noted that while no specific game has been identified yet, "it is clear that the girls were influenced by Korean culture." The case has drawn attention from international media, with People magazine reaching out to authorities for additional comment, though no immediate response was received.
This tragic incident underscores several critical issues facing families and communities in the digital age:
- Screen Addiction Risks: The dangers of excessive screen time and gaming dependency, particularly among vulnerable youth.
- Mental Health Challenges: The need for greater awareness and support for children's mental well-being, especially post-pandemic.
- Parental Guidance: The importance of monitoring and engaging with children's online activities to prevent such outcomes.
- Cultural Influences: The impact of global pop culture, like Korean entertainment, on young minds.
As the investigation progresses, this case serves as a somber reminder of the complex interplay between technology, mental health, and family dynamics in today's interconnected world.
