Three minor sisters died after jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment building in Ghaziabad in the early hours of Wednesday, in a shocking incident that has left the neighbourhood and local authorities stunned. The girls, identified as Pakhi (12), Prachi (14) and Vishika (16), were residents of Bharat City, a residential township in the city.
According to the police, the incident occurred around 2 am. Preliminary information suggests that the sisters took the extreme step following objections from their parents over their excessive involvement in online gaming. Family members reportedly expressed concern about the amount of time the girls spent on their phones and their declining engagement with school.
Investigators said the three siblings were inseparable in daily life, doing most activities together, from attending school and eating meals to spending time at home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they allegedly became heavily involved in online task-based games, and over time, this habit appeared to deepen. Police sources indicated that the girls had not been attending school regularly in recent months, raising concerns within the family about their routine and well-being.
Local residents reported hearing a loud noise in the early hours of the morning, after which the incident came to light. The police reached the spot soon after and began formal proceedings. Forensic teams examined the scene, and statements are being recorded from family members and neighbours to understand the sequence of events and the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Officials said this is a developing case and that further details will emerge after the investigation progresses. Authorities have also reiterated the importance of open communication within families, especially when addressing concerns around children’s screen time and online habits.
The incident has once again sparked conversations around adolescent mental health, digital addiction, and the pressures young people may face in silence. Mental health professionals stress that early support, patient dialogue, and access to counselling can play a crucial role in preventing such heartbreaking outcomes.
