Three sisters aged 16, 14 and 12 died in a tragic incident in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting renewed concern over the growing impact of online gaming addiction on children and adolescents.
Police said the girls lived with their father, a forex trader, and their family. Preliminary investigations suggest the sisters were deeply influenced by a Korean task-based online game and had developed a shared belief system linked to the game’s narrative.
Police point to severe gaming addiction
According to Assistant Police Commissioner Atul Kumar Singh, the sisters showed signs of extreme behavioural immersion. Investigators said the girls believed they were Korean princesses and no longer identified with their real surroundings.
During the inquiry, police recovered diary entries containing repeated apologies and emotional drawings, indicating psychological distress. Family members reportedly knew about the children’s excessive gaming habits and had attempted to limit mobile phone access, but the addiction persisted.
Officers noted that the sisters followed rigid routines together, rarely acting independently. The addiction is believed to have intensified after the Covid-19 pandemic, when screen time increased significantly.
Family and authorities seek answers
Despite being 16, the eldest sister was reportedly studying in a lower grade, raising further questions about developmental and emotional challenges. Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination and will analyse the girls’ mobile phones to better understand the nature of the game and its influence.
There is no indication of foul play, officials said, adding that the focus is on understanding the psychological factors involved.
Growing concern over children’s digital safety
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for parental awareness, digital supervision and mental health support for children exposed to immersive online content. Experts warn that unchecked gaming addiction can distort reality perception, particularly among vulnerable age groups.
Authorities have urged families to seek professional help if children show signs of withdrawal, obsession or behavioural changes linked to digital platforms.