Photo: NDTV The girls were identified as Pakhi, 12, Prachi, 14, Vishika, 16
Ghaziabad: The death of three minor sisters in a high-rise apartment complex in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked renewed concern among parents over excessive online gaming and prolonged screen exposure among children.
Police said the sisters, aged 12, 14 and 16, were
found dead early Wednesday. Investigators are examining their mobile phones,
personal writings and speaking to family members to reconstruct the sequence of
events. Officials confirmed that no specific online game has been identified so
far, and the investigation is ongoing.
According to police, the parents had recently
expressed concern over the girls’ excessive mobile phone use and online,
task-based gaming habits. Family members told investigators that the children
spent long hours on their devices, a pattern that reportedly intensified during
the COVID-19 period. The parents had recently restricted mobile phone access,
following noticeable behavioural changes.
Police sources said diaries and handwritten
writings recovered from the room point to emotional distress and social
withdrawal. The family also informed police that the sisters had gradually
distanced themselves from school activities and social interactions over the
past two years and tended to remain isolated.
The incident has triggered widespread discussion among parents and educators about the impact of uncontrolled screen time, online gaming content and digital dependency on minors. Police have urged parents to closely monitor children’s online behaviour, maintain open communication, and seek professional support if signs of emotional or behavioural distress are observed.
