Three teenage sisters committed suicide in Ghaziabad on Thursday. Police launched an investigation into the suicide of three sisters in Ghaziabad, near New Delhi. The victims were immensely influenced by online games and movies and their family restricted their online games.
Local media reported that the sisters, aged 12, 14 and 16, jumped from their home on Wednesday. Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence to establish the circumstances leading to their deaths.
Senior police official Nimish Patil said investigators were reviewing a suicide note and examining the girls’ mobile phones. He added that authorities routinely probe all suspected suicides to determine contributing factors and rule out foul play.
According to police, the sisters had recently been denied access to K-pop music, Korean games and movies they had frequently watched and played online. Investigators believe the sudden restriction may have distressed them, although they stressed the inquiry remains ongoing.
Patil also noted that the family appeared to be facing financial difficulties, which may have added to household stress. Indian media reported that the girls’ father had confiscated their electronic devices and barred them from consuming Korean entertainment content. Family members were not immediately available for comment.
Debate grows over children’s screen exposure
Meanwhile, the case has intensified debate in India about children’s mental health and rising online exposure. Experts and regulators have increasingly warned that excessive screen time and addictive digital algorithms may harm child development.
Korean popular culture has surged in India over the past decade, beginning with rapper Psy’s 2012 hit Gangnam Style and expanding through K-pop and streaming platforms featuring Korean dramas. Consequently, its growing influence among young audiences has drawn both praise and concern.
In response to similar worries, two Indian states recently signaled plans to restrict children’s access to social media. Globally, governments have explored tougher rules, led by Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s and proposed French legislation targeting under-15s.
