Korean Drama or Parenting Failure? Ghaziabad Tragedy Sparks Debate in NCR Societies Over Mobile Phone Use

New Delhi: The tragic death of three minor sisters who reportedly jumped from the ninth floor of an apartment in Ghaziabad has triggered fear, shock, and intense discussion among residents of housing societies across Delhi-NCR. The incident has raised disturbing questions about children’s mental health, mobile phone addiction, and whether parental negligence played a role in the tragedy.

Residents remain stunned over how three young girls could take such an extreme step together. While initial reports suggested the deaths may have been linked to a Korean online game or excessive obsession with Korean culture, society members are now questioning why the issue was not addressed earlier if the family was aware of the girls’ unusual behaviour.

Many residents believe that if the parents had noticed their daughters becoming overly influenced by Korean dramas or games and even identifying themselves as “Korean,” the matter should have been taken seriously at the earliest stage.

Neighbour Recalls Strange Incident 15 Days Before Tragedy

The incident occurred in a ninth-floor flat. A resident living two floors below, in flat number 707 on the seventh floor, identified as R.K. Singhania, said he had occasionally seen the girls while coming and going. According to him, they always appeared quiet and reserved and rarely interacted with other children in the society.

Singhania also recalled witnessing a strange event around 15 days before the tragedy.

“I was standing on my balcony when I noticed small pieces of paper being thrown down from their flat,” he said.

He added that due to a shade on the eighth floor, he could not clearly see who was throwing the paper. However, he claimed that a large number of paper pieces were continuously being dropped from above.

When he went upstairs to inform the family, he was surprised to find that instead of the parents, a third woman came out—believed to be the girls’ maternal aunt.

“She casually responded that they are just kids and it won’t happen again,” Singhania stated, adding that he sensed the home environment did not feel normal even at that time.

Residents Raise Questions Over Schooling and Family Claims

The incident has also prompted residents to question the family’s narrative regarding the girls’ education and financial condition. Rahul Jha, Joint Secretary of the Apartment Owners Association, said that although the girls were not attending school regularly, they had reportedly been enrolled in tuition classes at some point.

He claimed that the girls remained isolated even in tuition and introduced themselves using Korean names rather than their real identities.

Jha also said the claim of severe financial distress appears unclear, as rent and maintenance payments were reportedly being made on time.

Some residents questioned how parents could discontinue their children’s schooling without proper counselling or explanation.

Debate on Mobile Phone Use Intensifies

Following the tragedy, the society witnessed growing debate over children’s mobile phone usage. Large crowds gathered at the scene, including schoolchildren returning from tuition.

Many parents were seen warning their children to reduce phone usage, while some children reportedly responded that they would not follow such restrictions. Residents also argued that schools should avoid sending homework and assignments through mobile phones, as children often use it as an excuse to access entertainment content.

The incident has become a harsh reminder for parents that vigilance, communication, and emotional monitoring are essential in the digital age.

As the investigation continues, the Ghaziabad case is now being seen not just as a tragedy, but as a warning about the silent dangers of isolation, screen addiction, and the growing gap between parents and children.