Three Sisters Jump to Death from 9th Floor in Ghaziabad; Korean Culture Obsession and Family Turmoil Under Investigation
Tragic incident reveals complex web of digital addiction, financial crisis, and father’s multiple marriages; police probe inconsistencies in suicide narrative
GHAZIABAD, UTTAR PRADESH — In a devastating incident that has raised serious questions about internet safety and family dynamics, three minor sisters aged 12, 14, and 16 died by suicide by jumping from the ninth-floor balcony of their apartment in Ghaziabad’s Bharat City society early Tuesday morning.
The victims — Pakhee (12), Prachi (14), and Nishika (16) — allegedly locked themselves in a prayer room around 2 AM on February 3 before jumping from the balcony one by one, after kissing their sleeping mother and saying “I love you.”
Multiple Angles Emerge in Investigation
What initially appeared to be a case linked to a Korean online game has evolved into a complex investigation involving multiple factors, according to Additional Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Aalok Priyadarshi.
Korean Culture Obsession: Police investigation revealed the sisters had become deeply immersed in Korean culture over the past six years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when their schooling was disrupted, the girls began consuming Korean movies, web series, and music extensively. They reportedly began identifying as Korean rather than Indian, learned the Korean language through YouTube, created their own Korean content channel, and even adopted Korean names.
A diary recovered from their room stated: “Please read this diary. Everything written here is true.” Investigators found evidence of their transformed identity, with the girls communicating in Korean and expressing preference for Korean culture in all aspects of their lives.
Family Conflict and Father’s Multiple Marriages: The investigation has uncovered serious domestic tensions. The girls’ father, Chetan Gurjar, an online share trader, had married twice — first to one sister, and when she couldn’t have children, he married her younger sister. Both wives currently live with him, along with their youngest sister.
Police statements reveal that in May 2024, the first wife confronted Chetan about keeping her third sister in the house, stating: “You ruined my life, married my sister too, which I tolerated, but now don’t ruin my third sister’s life.” She had briefly left home before being brought back from Delhi.
Financial Crisis: Chetan has reportedly suffered losses of ₹2 crore in his trading business, leading to severe financial constraints. The family had stopped the girls’ education three years ago due to economic hardship. They were living in a rented flat costing ₹12,000 per month.
Questions Raised by Forensic Evidence
Police are investigating five critical inconsistencies:
- Physical evidence: The balcony railing configuration doesn’t easily support the sitting position described by witnesses
- Body positioning: The three bodies were found at different distances from the building wall (1 foot, 8 feet, and 9 feet), raising questions about a simple jump from 85 feet
- Fall pattern: If all jumped while seated, bodies should have landed in similar positions
- Family altercation: Neighbors reported hearing abusive language and arguments involving both wives before the incident
- Behavioral concerns: Both wives refused to meet with the Police Commissioner, locking themselves inside, while the father displayed unusual emotional behavior
Warning Signs Found in Room
Police discovered disturbing evidence in the girls’ room:
- Family photos pasted on the floor
- Pencil writings on walls including “My heart is broken” and “I am very lonely,” later crossed out
- An 18-page suicide note mentioning inability to quit gaming
- Evidence of complete cultural transformation
The girls had stopped attending school after repeatedly failing classes. They had also distanced themselves from their four-year-old sister after their father scolded them for trying to introduce her to Korean content.
Official Response
“Based on investigation so far, it appears to be suicide. The girls were addicted to mobile gaming. We are investigating all circumstances that led to this tragedy,” said Additional Police Commissioner Aalok Priyadarshi. “We have found evidence of Korean culture in their phones, where they had adopted different names. We are examining all evidence for further investigation.”
The forensic team has sealed the site and collected evidence. Post-mortem examinations have been conducted, and statements are being recorded from family members and neighbors.
Broader Implications
This tragedy has sparked urgent conversations about:
- Digital addiction among adolescents
- Impact of unregulated internet content on young minds
- Warning signs of mental health distress in children
- Family dysfunction and its effects on children
- Need for parental monitoring and mental health intervention
Child welfare experts emphasize the critical importance of balanced digital consumption, open family communication, and accessible counseling services for youth facing family crises.
