What the Police Have Said
Confirming the incident, Atul Kumar Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Shalimar Garden), stated that preliminary findings point toward suicide. The sisters reportedly climbed onto a chair placed near an open window in a room that also housed a small temple, and jumped one after another.
Neighbours alerted the police after hearing a loud noise. The girls were rushed to a nearby government hospital in Loni, where doctors declared them dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Handwritten Notes and Gaming App Angle
Investigators recovered several handwritten pages from the room, including what is being described as a “true life story” note. One of the notes reportedly began with an apology addressed to their father, intensifying the emotional impact of the case.
Police sources revealed that the sisters were allegedly addicted to a Korean task-based gaming application. The content of the notes and the extent of the app’s influence are being closely examined. Officials have not yet named the application, stressing that conclusions will be drawn only after digital forensic analysis.
Education Disruption and Social Isolation
A particularly disturbing detail that has emerged is that none of the three girls had attended school since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being 16 years old, the eldest sister was reportedly enrolled at a primary school level, highlighting severe educational disruption.
Child psychologists note that prolonged isolation, lack of routine, and excessive screen time can significantly impact young minds. The pandemic-era shift to digital dependence is now being reassessed across India, especially in cases involving minors.
National Debate on Gaming Addiction
The incident has reignited calls for stricter regulation of online gaming platforms accessible to children. Experts argue that task-based reward systems, foreign-language roleplay, and immersive narratives can blur the line between reality and fiction for vulnerable users.
The Government of India has previously flagged concerns around online gaming and digital addiction. Parents are advised to monitor screen usage and seek professional help if behavioural changes are observed.
Community in Shock
Residents of Bharat City Society described the sisters as quiet and reserved. Many admitted they were unaware of the extent of the children’s struggles. Candles and flowers now line the building entrance as neighbours grapple with grief and unanswered questions.
Police have assured a thorough investigation, including counselling support for the family. Authorities have also indicated that, if required, they will coordinate with cybercrime units to examine the gaming platform’s content and practices.
