A quiet residential neighborhood in Ghaziabad, a satellite city just outside New Delhi, was plunged into shock and grief earlier this week after three minor sisters were found dead following a fall from the ninth floor of their apartment building.
What initially appeared to be an inexplicable tragedy has since developed into a deeply troubling case that has raised broader questions about childhood isolation, digital influence, family dynamics, and the silent emotional struggles that can exist behind closed doors.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 4, when emergency services received multiple distress calls reporting that three girls had fallen from a high-rise residential building.
Police and medical teams arrived at the scene at approximately 2:15 a.m. local time, where they confirmed that all three victims had died from injuries sustained in the fall.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no definitive conclusions have yet been reached regarding the precise circumstances that led to the deaths.
Victims Identified as Three Minor Sisters
According to official police statements, the victims were identified as Nishika, approximately 16 years old; Prachi, approximately 14; and Pakhi, approximately 12.
All three were daughters of Chetan Kumar, a forex trader who lived in the apartment along with his extended family.
Police confirmed that the girls were minors and that they had been residing on the ninth floor of the building from which they fell. Initial assessments ruled out the involvement of any other individuals at the scene, though authorities have stressed that all possibilities are still being examined as part of a comprehensive investigation.
“Upon reaching the location, a detailed preliminary inquiry was conducted,” police said in a statement shared publicly. “It was confirmed that three girls had fallen from the ninth floor and succumbed to their injuries.”
No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed. Officials have reiterated that it would be inappropriate to speculate until the investigation is complete.
A Family Devastated by Loss
The deaths have left the Kumar family shattered. Speaking briefly to local media, the girls’ father expressed disbelief and profound sorrow over the tragedy.
According to reports by Press Trust of India (PTI), Kumar lives with two wives—who are sisters—and five children, all of whom shared the same apartment.
The family is described by neighbors as private and largely reserved. Residents of the building told local reporters that they rarely interacted with the family and were unaware of any internal struggles or conflicts.
“This is something no parent should ever have to experience,” Kumar reportedly said, according to PTI. “If I had known about the game, I would never have allowed them to play it.”
Authorities have not commented on the father’s statement beyond confirming that family testimonies are being recorded as part of standard procedure.
Discovery of a Diary and Handwritten Notes
During a search of the apartment, investigators recovered a diary believed to belong to the sisters. According to PTI, the diary contains an eight-page handwritten note, which police are currently reviewing carefully.
Reports indicate that shortly before the incident, the sisters left behind a brief message directing attention to the diary. The note reportedly read: “Read everything written in this diary, it is all here…” followed by a crying face emoji. Another handwritten line reportedly stated: “Sorry papa, I am really sorry.”
Police have not released the diary’s contents publicly, citing both the ongoing investigation and the sensitive nature of the material, particularly given the ages of the victims.
Authorities have urged the public and media outlets to refrain from speculation based on partial or unofficial information.
Reports of Interest in an Online Game
One aspect of the case that has drawn significant public attention is the reported interest the sisters had in an online game. According to PTI, family members told investigators that the girls had become deeply engaged with a “Korean game involving a series of tasks.”
The father reportedly stated that the girls had been playing the game for approximately two-and-a-half to three years and frequently spoke about wanting to visit South Korea.
However, authorities have been careful to clarify that, at this stage, no official causal link has been established between the game and the deaths.
NDTV reported that while digital activity is being examined as part of the investigation, police have not confirmed that the game directly influenced the incident.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Patel told NDTV that the girls had recently been denied access to mobile phones, a restriction that may have caused emotional distress.
“For the past few days, they had been denied access to a mobile phone,” he said, adding that this is only one of many factors under review.
Officials have emphasized that digital habits alone cannot explain such incidents and that conclusions will only be drawn after forensic, psychological, and circumstantial evidence is fully analyzed.
Extended Absence from School Raises Additional Questions
Another element that has emerged during the investigation is the fact that the sisters reportedly had not attended school for approximately two years. While authorities have not confirmed the exact reasons for this, the timeline coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, during which schools across India were closed for extended periods.
During the pandemic, many children experienced prolonged isolation, increased dependence on digital devices, and reduced face-to-face social interaction. Mental health experts have repeatedly warned that such conditions can contribute to emotional vulnerability, particularly among adolescents.
However, experts also caution against drawing generalized conclusions. “Each case is unique,” one child psychologist told local media. “It is rarely one single factor. Emotional health is shaped by a combination of environment, relationships, routine, and individual resilience.”
Police have not indicated whether homeschooling, health concerns, or other factors contributed to the girls’ absence from school.
Community Reaction and National Attention
News of the tragedy spread rapidly across India and internationally, prompting widespread expressions of grief and concern. Social media platforms were flooded with messages mourning the sisters and expressing sympathy for their family.
At the same time, the incident sparked broader public discussions about children’s mental health, parental awareness of online content, and the challenges families face in monitoring digital engagement in an increasingly connected world.
Authorities and mental health advocates have urged restraint, responsibility, and compassion. “This is a deeply tragic event,” one official told reporters. “We must avoid speculation, blame, or sensationalism. The focus should remain on facts, sensitivity, and support.”
Police Continue a Comprehensive Investigation
Police have confirmed that multiple investigative teams are involved in the case. Areas under review include:
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The contents of the diary
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Digital activity and device usage
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Family statements and living conditions
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Psychological and social factors
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Forensic and circumstantial evidence
Officials have reiterated that no conclusions will be announced prematurely and that the investigation will proceed methodically and transparently.
A Tragedy That Raises Difficult but Necessary Conversations
While the investigation continues, the deaths of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi have already left a lasting impact on public discourse. The case highlights the importance of open communication within families, awareness of children’s emotional well-being, and thoughtful engagement with technology.
It also serves as a reminder that outwardly ordinary households may conceal unseen struggles and that early intervention, emotional support, and access to mental health resources can be critical.
Experts stress that parents, educators, and communities all play a role in creating safe environments where children feel heard, supported, and understood.
Remembering the Lives Lost
As authorities work to determine what led to the tragic deaths, the focus remains on honoring the lives of three young girls whose futures were cut short far too soon.
Those who knew them remember Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi as sisters who were closely bonded, sharing routines, interests, and dreams. Their passing has left a void not only within their family but also within a community struggling to comprehend the loss.
The hope expressed by many is that this tragedy will encourage greater awareness, empathy, and proactive support for children facing emotional challenges—often silently.
For now, the community mourns, the family grieves, and the investigation continues.
Rest in peace, Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi.
