The deaths of three minor sisters in Ghaziabad have sent shockwaves across the country, reigniting concerns over the impact of online games on children. The girls, aged 16, 14 and 12, died after allegedly jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment building in the early hours of February 4.
The incident occurred at a residential tower in Bharat City, located in the Sahibabad area under the Teela Mor police station limits. Police were alerted around 2.15 am after receiving reports that three minors had jumped from a high-rise balcony. When officers arrived at the scene, the sisters were found critically injured on the ground floor and were rushed to a hospital in Loni, where doctors declared them dead on arrival. Officials said the exact sequence of events is still under investigation.
Preliminary police findings suggest a possible link to an online, task-based interactive experience commonly referred to as the Korean Love Game, which officials have clarified is not a specific app. Police said no particular platform or app was mentioned in the suicide note, but the content appeared to be heavily influenced by Korean pop culture and online narratives.
The girls’ father told investigators that his daughters had been deeply engaged with such online content since the Covid-19 lockdown, raising concerns over excessive screen time. DCP Trans-Hindon Nimish Patil noted that the note pointed to a strong emotional attachment to Korean-themed content. Investigators also said the sisters did most activities together, including gaming, and had reportedly not attended school regularly since the pandemic.
The case has drawn comparisons to the notorious Blue Whale Challenge amid fears of psychological manipulation and emotional dependence on online tasks. However, police have urged caution and warned against premature conclusions.
ACP Atul Kumar Singh, speaking to PTI, said initial findings suggest parental concerns over the sisters’ persistent gaming, but the investigation is still underway. Authorities are now examining digital devices, online activity and the family’s personal circumstances to determine what led to the tragic incident. Officials emphasise that it is too early to pin the blame on any specific game.
Early reports suggest the minors spent considerable time engaging with horror and survival-based mobile games such as Poppy Playtime, The Baby in Yellow, Ice Scream and Evil Nun. These titles are characterised by eerie settings, jump scares and gameplay that revolves around escaping danger or enduring attacks.
Psychologists say repeated immersion in intense, fear-driven virtual environments can heighten anxiety and make it harder for children to distinguish between digital experiences and real life. Mental health experts add that such prolonged exposure can be particularly harmful for emotionally vulnerable children.