'Death is better than life without Korea'; Ghaziabad sisters lived in parallel universe

NEW DELHI: More details have emerged in the Ghaziabad sisters’ suicide case that shocked the country. Investigators have found that the three girls were living in a parallel “Korean” universe, completely immersed in a virtual world. This became clear to the investigation team through an eight-page suicide note and statements given by the parents.

According to the findings, the girls had decided that death was better than life if they could not go to Korea or marry a Korean man. Their deep sense of loneliness was reflected in drawings found in their room, including pictures of a crying girl. The sisters had YouTube accounts to watch and upload Korean content, under the names Maria, Alisa, and Cindy.

Ten days before the suicide, their parents had taken away their mobile phones and deleted the accounts. In the suicide note, the girls accused their parents of trying to pull them away from their love for Korean culture. They claimed that their parents beat them and threatened to force them into marriage. The note also said they loved Korean celebrities more than even their own family and that they could not imagine marrying an Indian man.

Meanwhile, police are investigating whether tasks in a Korean love-based online game influenced the suicide. However, there is no direct mention of games in the suicide note.

Family background

The girls- Nishika (16), Prachi (14), and Pakhi (12)- jumped to their deaths from the ninth floor of their apartment complex. Their father, Chetan Kumar, has two wives and five children in total. Nishika is from his first marriage, while Prachi and Pakhi are from his second marriage. The sisters reportedly kept their distance from their fourth sibling, Devu, who did not accept their interest in Korean culture. Their youngest brother, aged nine, is hearing and speech impaired.

Financial stress?
There were reports that financial stress in the family may have affected the girls. However, the father denied claims of debts exceeding Rs 2 crore and said the family’s liabilities were around Rs 30 lakh. He said there was no connection between financial issues and the suicide. According to him, the girls often demanded that they be taken to Korea and became angry when reminded that they were Indians. He also urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities.

I saw the girls standing on the balcony. One child jumped first. It appeared that the others jumped in an attempt to save her. I immediately informed the police.
-Arunkumar
Eyewitness