Ghaziabad Suicide Tragedy: Commission Chief Stresses Parental Vigilance
In a poignant visit to Bharat City Society in Loni, State Women's Commission chairperson Babita Singh Chauhan met with the grieving family of three sisters who tragically died by suicide on February 3. The sisters, aged 16, 14, and 12, jumped from their ninth-floor apartment, leaving behind a note that revealed their despair over their family's inability to understand their deep affection for Korean culture and online games.
Parental Responsibility in the Digital Age
During her meeting on Saturday, Chauhan underscored the critical responsibility of parents to actively engage with their children, communicate openly, and closely monitor their online activities. "Whether the house is small or the family is large, it doesn't mean that children should be neglected," she asserted, questioning the family's role in regulating the girls' content consumption and behavior.
Chauhan highlighted the potential dangers of certain online platforms, noting that many games, social media sites, and websites assign tasks to children that can gradually impact their mental well-being. She referenced similar cases that have emerged previously, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and intervention.
Family's Awareness and Investigation Findings
The family acknowledged their awareness of the girls' strong fondness for Korean culture and content, admitting they frequently watched related videos but failed to grasp the seriousness of the situation. Meanwhile, police investigations into the suicide have uncovered that the sisters were particularly close to their father and became distressed after he confiscated their phone, which they used to watch Korean shows and consume content.
Notably, the ongoing probe has not yet found evidence linking the tragedy to online gaming or game-based tasks. In a heart-wrenching suicide note, the girls expressed their apologies to their father, writing in a mix of Hindi and English: "Papa sorry, hum Korea nahi chhod sakte. Korea humari zindagi hai, Korea humari jaan hai, aur aap hume nahi chhuda sakte. I am sorry, hum jaan de rahe hai" (Papa, sorry. We cannot leave Korea. Korea is our life, Korea is our soul, and you cannot separate us from it. I am sorry, we are giving up our lives).
Broader Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
This tragic incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges parents face in the digital era, where children's interests and online engagements can sometimes lead to extreme outcomes. Chauhan's visit and statements serve as a stark reminder of the importance of familial support, understanding, and proactive monitoring to prevent such devastating events.
Authorities continue to investigate the case from all angles, aiming to piece together the full context behind the sisters' decision. As the community mourns, the emphasis remains on fostering environments where children feel heard and supported, both offline and in their digital interactions.
