‘Is taking your child’s phone away a sin?’: Father speaks after Ghaziabad suicide of three daughters

Ghaziabad: In a deeply distressing incident in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, three minor sisters — Nishika (16), Prachi (14) and Pakhi (12) — died by suicide earlier this week after allegedly jumping from the ninth floor of their residential building in Bharat City Society under the Trans-Hindon police station limits.

Speaking to the media, the girls’ father became emotional as he described the events leading up to the tragedy. He said he had confiscated their mobile phones after noticing what he described as excessive screen use and growing obsession with Korean dramas, games and social media reels.

“I used to pamper my children a lot… They would watch Korean dramas, Korean games and Korean reels,” he said. “Their eyes were swollen, which is why I snatched away their phones. They were angry about it. Is taking your child’s phone away a sin?”

According to police, the father later sold the devices. Investigators said the girls had been upset after losing access to their phones, which reportedly prevented them from playing online games and communicating with friends connected through Korean apps.

On the night of the incident, the sisters allegedly attempted to use their mother’s phone to access a Korean application but were unable to log in. A forensic team that recovered the device confirmed there was no access to the app.

Cyber crime teams are now tracing the buyers of the sold mobile phones using IMEI numbers in an effort to retrieve digital data from the apps. DCP Patil stated that the investigation is being conducted from multiple angles and that authorities are awaiting the forensic science laboratory report.

Police also recovered a nine-page pocket diary from the sisters’ room. Preliminary findings reportedly indicate a strong attachment to Korean culture and possible family discord. Officials noted that one phone had been purchased for Nishika around three months ago and another for Prachi approximately 15 days before the incident.

Authorities have clarified that the case is currently being treated as a suicide. They emphasised that presence on digital platforms or cultural interests alone does not determine causation, and the probe is ongoing to verify all claims and circumstances surrounding the incident.

(If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, support is available. In India, you can contact the Kiran Mental Health Helpline at 1800-599-0019 or seek immediate help from local emergency services.)