A quiet residential neighborhood in Ghaziabad, a satellite city just outside India’s bustling capital of New Delhi, was gripped by shock and profound grief earlier this week after a devastating tragedy unfolded involving three minor sisters.
The young girls—identified as Nishika, approximately 16 years old; Prachi, approximately 14; and Pakhi, approximately 12—were found dead after falling from the ninth floor of their apartment building.
What initially appeared to be a sudden and inexplicable accident has since developed into a complex and deeply concerning case that has raised broader questions about childhood isolation, online influence, family dynamics, and the hidden emotional struggles that can exist behind closed doors.
The incident has also prompted urgent conversations about parental awareness, adolescent mental health, and the responsibility of digital platforms in the lives of children.

The Incident: Early Hours of a Community Tragedy
According to local authorities, the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, when multiple distress calls were placed to emergency services reporting that three girls had fallen from a high-rise apartment building in Ghaziabad.
Police and medical teams arrived at the scene at approximately 2:15 a.m. local time. First responders confirmed that all three girls had sustained fatal injuries.
The initial response involved securing the area, conducting preliminary inquiries, and ensuring the safety of nearby residents. “Upon reaching the location, a detailed preliminary inquiry was conducted,” police stated publicly. “It was confirmed that three girls had fallen from the ninth floor and succumbed to their injuries.”
Authorities were careful to emphasize that the investigation was ongoing and that no conclusions could yet be drawn about the exact circumstances surrounding the fall. Importantly, no arrests had been made, and no charges were filed, reflecting the cautious and methodical approach of local law enforcement.
Victims and Family Background
The three girls were the daughters of Chetan Kumar, a forex trader who resided in the apartment along with his extended family. Reports indicate that Kumar lives with two wives, who are sisters, and five children in total.
The family is described by neighbors as private and largely reserved. Residents recalled that the family maintained minimal interaction with others in the building and that little was publicly known about their internal dynamics or emotional environment.
The tragedy has left the Kumar family shattered. In statements to local media, the father expressed profound sorrow and disbelief. According to Press Trust of India (PTI), Kumar said, “This is something no parent should ever have to experience. If I had known about the game, I would never have allowed them to play it.”
Authorities have not commented on this statement beyond noting that family testimonies are being recorded as part of standard investigative procedure.

Discovery of a Diary and Handwritten Notes
During a thorough search of the family’s apartment, investigators recovered a diary believed to belong to the sisters. According to PTI, the diary contained an eight-page handwritten note that the girls had left behind shortly before the incident.
A separate brief note reportedly instructed family members to “read everything written in this diary, it is all here,” followed by a crying face emoji. Another line read: “Sorry papa, I am really sorry.”
Police have refrained from releasing the diary’s contents publicly, citing both the ongoing investigation and the sensitive nature of the material, especially considering the young ages of the victims.
Authorities have urged media outlets and the public to avoid speculation based on partial information, warning that unverified claims could compound the grief of the family and misrepresent the facts of the case.
Online Activity and Possible Influences
One aspect of the case that has drawn significant attention is the sisters’ reported engagement with an online game. According to PTI, family members indicated that the girls were deeply interested in a “Korean game involving a series of tasks,” and had been engaged with it for roughly two-and-a-half to three years.
The father stated that the girls often spoke about wanting to visit South Korea, a detail that underscores the immersive nature of the game and its significance to them.
However, authorities have been careful to clarify that no causal link between the game and the deaths has been established at this stage. Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Patel told NDTV that digital activity is only one of multiple factors under review.
“For the past few days, they had been denied access to a mobile phone,” he said. “This is only one of many elements we are considering in a comprehensive investigation.”

Mental health experts caution against oversimplifying such incidents. While online activity may reflect certain interests or obsessions, it rarely serves as a single determining factor. Instead, they stress that emotional and psychological vulnerability is shaped by a complex interplay of environment, relationships, and individual resilience.
Extended Absence from School and Social Isolation
Another factor under scrutiny is the sisters’ reported absence from school for approximately two years. While official reasons for this absence have not been fully confirmed, the timeline coincides with the prolonged closure of schools in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts have noted that such extended isolation can significantly impact adolescents, increasing dependence on digital devices and limiting face-to-face social interaction.
In some cases, prolonged social isolation may contribute to emotional distress, heightened anxiety, and difficulty coping with daily challenges.
Child psychologists emphasize that while these factors are concerning, each case is unique, and it is rarely one single factor that leads to a tragic outcome. Instead, the combination of environmental conditions, family dynamics, and individual vulnerabilities often plays a critical role.
Community Reaction and National Attention
News of the tragedy quickly spread both across India and internationally, prompting an outpouring of grief and concern. Social media platforms were flooded with messages mourning the sisters and expressing sympathy for the Kumar family.
At the same time, the incident sparked broader public discussions on children’s mental health, the influence of digital platforms, and the challenges families face in monitoring online engagement. Authorities and mental health advocates have urged restraint and sensitivity. “This is a deeply tragic event,” a local official told reporters. “We must avoid speculation, blame, or sensationalism. The focus should remain on facts, sensitivity, and support.”

Police Investigation and Ongoing Review
Police have confirmed that multiple investigative teams are involved in the case. Areas under review include:
- The diary and its contents
- Digital activity and mobile device usage
- Family statements and living conditions
- Psychological and social factors
- Forensic and circumstantial evidence
Officials have repeatedly stressed that no premature conclusions will be drawn. All evidence is being examined methodically, and authorities have promised transparency once definitive findings are available.
A Tragic Reminder of the Need for Awareness
While the investigation is ongoing, the deaths of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi have already sparked critical conversations about parental awareness, adolescent mental health, and the challenges of digital engagement.
Experts highlight the importance of open communication within families, attentive observation of emotional well-being, and access to mental health support when necessary.
The incident serves as a reminder that even in seemingly ordinary households, unseen struggles can exist, and early intervention can be vital in supporting children through emotional difficulties.
As authorities continue to investigate the tragic deaths of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi, mental health experts have emphasized the need to consider multiple factors that may contribute to adolescent emotional vulnerability.
Adolescence is a critical period of development marked by rapid cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Teenagers and preteens are particularly sensitive to peer influence, social pressures, and digital engagement.
Prolonged isolation, whether due to pandemic-related school closures or limited social interactions at home, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Children who spend extended periods away from peers may turn to digital platforms, online games, or social media for engagement, entertainment, or emotional support. While these activities can provide a sense of connection, experts warn that excessive immersion without guidance can lead to emotional dependence or distress.
In this case, the sisters’ extended absence from school and their reported preoccupation with an online game are being examined alongside other factors, such as family dynamics, social interactions, and access to mental health resources.
Psychologists stress that it is rarely a single cause that leads to a tragic outcome; instead, it is often a combination of environmental, relational, and individual influences.

The Role of Digital Media: Interest Versus Influence
The sisters’ reported engagement with a Korean online game has drawn widespread media attention, sparking debate over the potential influence of digital content on young minds. While the game itself is not inherently harmful, experts highlight that prolonged focus on virtual tasks, combined with emotional vulnerability, can intensify feelings of obsession or escapism.
Authorities have clarified that, as of now, there is no direct evidence linking the game to the incident. Investigators are reviewing digital activity primarily to understand the sisters’ interests, routines, and communications in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Patel noted that mobile phone restrictions imposed on the girls shortly before the incident may have contributed to emotional stress, but stressed that these are just one of many factors being considered.
Child psychologists caution against simplifying digital engagement as a cause of harm. “Online activity can reflect curiosity, creativity, or socialization,” one expert said. “It only becomes concerning when it replaces real-world support, interactions, or coping strategies in emotionally vulnerable children.”
Family Dynamics and Living Environment
Another critical dimension under investigation is the family’s living arrangement and household dynamics. The Kumar family reportedly consists of a father, two wives (who are sisters), and five children, all residing together in a single apartment. Neighbors described the family as reserved, private, and rarely interactive with the broader community.
While authorities have not indicated any prior history of abuse or neglect, they are thoroughly reviewing family routines, communication patterns, and daily interactions to understand the broader emotional environment in which the girls were raised.
Experts note that households with complex dynamics, even when loving and well-intentioned, can sometimes inadvertently contribute to stress or confusion for children if emotional needs are not openly addressed.
Community Reaction and National Discourse
The deaths of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi have resonated far beyond their neighborhood, prompting a national conversation about child safety, mental health, and the responsibilities of parents and communities. Social media has been flooded with messages expressing grief, sympathy, and calls for greater awareness of adolescent emotional struggles.
At the same time, the tragedy has highlighted gaps in public understanding of how children experience emotional distress and how families navigate digital influence. Mental health advocates have urged compassion and restraint, warning against speculation or sensationalism.
“This is not the time for blame or conjecture,” one advocate told the press. “We must focus on understanding, prevention, and the support structures that can help children navigate emotional challenges safely.”
Preventive Measures: Lessons for Families and Communities
While it is impossible to reverse the events that led to this tragedy, experts emphasize that the case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of proactive measures to protect children’s mental and emotional well-being. Recommended steps include:
- Open Communication: Families should maintain regular, non-judgmental conversations about children’s thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences. Creating a safe space for children to express themselves can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Monitoring Digital Engagement: Parents are encouraged to stay informed about the games, platforms, and content their children interact with. Guidance and moderation, rather than outright restriction, can help children navigate online spaces safely.
- Social and Emotional Support: Encouraging peer interaction, participation in extracurricular activities, and structured routines can promote resilience and emotional stability.
- Access to Mental Health Resources: Early identification of emotional distress and access to counseling or professional support can be life-saving. Schools, communities, and healthcare providers play a critical role in making such resources available.
- Awareness of Signs of Distress: Parents and caregivers should be alert to changes in behavior, mood, or routine that may indicate emotional struggles, particularly in adolescents who are prone to internalizing their feelings.
Broader Implications: Society, Technology, and Adolescence
The case of the three sisters underscores the complex interplay between modern digital environments, social isolation, and adolescent vulnerability. It highlights how even households that appear ordinary may conceal silent struggles, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, attentive parenting, and community awareness.
Digital platforms, while providing entertainment and connection, also carry responsibilities. Experts stress the need for ongoing dialogue between families, schools, and technology providers to ensure that children’s online experiences are positive, constructive, and safe.
Remembering the Lives Lost
Amid the ongoing investigation, it is essential to honor the lives of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi. According to reports and neighbors, the sisters were closely bonded, sharing routines, interests, and dreams.
Their tragic deaths have left an indelible mark on their family, community, and the nation, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unseen emotional worlds of children.
Those who knew the sisters remember them as bright, affectionate, and inseparable. While the circumstances of their deaths are still under investigation, their lives—though tragically short—were meaningful, filled with moments of joy, curiosity, and familial connection.
A Call for Awareness, Compassion, and Action
The deaths of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi provide an urgent impetus for reflection on societal responsibilities toward children. Experts urge parents, educators, and communities to:
- Engage proactively with children’s emotional well-being
- Monitor digital activity thoughtfully without punitive measures
- Foster open communication and trust within families
- Ensure access to mental health resources and counseling
- Educate communities about early warning signs of emotional distress
The case also highlights the broader need for national and local policies supporting children’s mental health, including safe school environments, accessible counseling services, and awareness campaigns that empower families to act early.
Moving Forward: Lessons and Reflection
While the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing similar tragedies in the future. This includes emphasizing the importance of:
- Emotional awareness and support within households
- Sensible digital engagement strategies for children
- Community vigilance and empathy for young people’s struggles
- Open dialogue between families, educators, and mental health professionals
Experts underscore that tragedies like this, while devastating, can catalyze positive change if they inspire meaningful conversations and interventions.
Conclusion: Honoring the Sisters and Their Legacy
The story of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of childhood and the profound responsibilities of families, communities, and society at large.
As investigators continue to examine all aspects of the case, including family dynamics, digital habits, psychological factors, and environmental conditions, the priority remains honoring their memory and ensuring that lessons are learned to protect other children in similar situations.
While no words can undo the loss, the hope expressed by many is that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness, empathy, and action surrounding children’s mental health and emotional well-being. The community mourns, the family grieves, and society reflects—striving to create environments in which children are safe, supported, and able to thrive.
Rest in peace, Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi. Your lives, though tragically cut short, remind us of the importance of love, awareness, and vigilance in safeguarding the emotional and psychological well-being of every child.
Broader Implications: Society, Technology, and Adolescence
The case of the three sisters underscores the complex interplay between modern digital environments, social isolation, and adolescent vulnerability. It highlights how even households that appear ordinary may conceal silent struggles, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, attentive parenting, and community awareness.
Digital platforms, while providing entertainment and connection, also carry responsibilities. Experts stress the need for ongoing dialogue between families, schools, and technology providers to ensure that children’s online experiences are positive, constructive, and safe.
Remembering the Lives Lost
Amid the ongoing investigation, it is essential to honor the lives of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi. According to reports and neighbors, the sisters were closely bonded, sharing routines, interests, and dreams.
Their tragic deaths have left an indelible mark on their family, community, and the nation, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unseen emotional worlds of children.
Those who knew the sisters remember them as bright, affectionate, and inseparable. While the circumstances of their deaths are still under investigation, their lives—though tragically short—were meaningful, filled with moments of joy, curiosity, and familial connection.
A Call for Awareness, Compassion, and Action
The deaths of Nishika, Prachi, and Pakhi provide an urgent impetus for reflection on societal responsibilities toward children. Experts urge parents, educators, and communities to:
- Engage proactively with children’s emotional well-being
- Monitor digital activity thoughtfully without punitive measures
- Foster open communication and trust within families
- Ensure access to mental health resources and counseling
- Educate communities about early warning signs of emotional distress
The case also highlights the broader need for national and local policies supporting children’s mental health, including safe school environments, accessible counseling services, and awareness campaigns that empower families to act early.
Moving Forward: Lessons and Reflection
While the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing similar tragedies in the future. This includes emphasizing the importance of:
- Emotional awareness and support within households
- Sensible digital engagement strategies for children
- Community vigilance and empathy for young people’s struggles
- Open dialogue between families, educators, and mental health professionals
Experts underscore that tragedies like this, while devastating, can catalyze positive change if they inspire meaningful conversations and interventions.