Quick Facts
- Location: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Victims: Three sisters aged 16, 14, and 12
- Incident time: Around 2.15 am
- Alleged influence: Online task-based “Korean love game”
- Status of probe: Ongoing, no conclusive link yet
- Key concern: Online manipulation and child safety
New Delhi: The tragic deaths by suicide of three sisters in Ghaziabad—aged 16, 14, and 12—have sparked serious concern over the possible influence of an online task-based challenge commonly referred to as the “Korean love game,” also known online as “We are not Indians.”
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the sisters—Vishika (16), Prachi (14), and Pakhi (12)—had gradually withdrawn from daily life and stopped attending school nearly two years ago. Investigators believe they may have become deeply engrossed in the online activity, which allegedly culminates in extreme self-harm instructions.
In the early hours of Wednesday, at around 2.15 am, the sisters reportedly jumped from their ninth-floor apartment. A handwritten note recovered from the scene reportedly carried the words “sorry papa (father)…” followed by a crying face emoji.
The case has drawn parallels with past online challenge-related incidents, including the infamous Blue Whale Challengeand the Momo Challenge, both of which were linked to manipulative online behaviour and self-harm cases in India and abroad.
What Is the Alleged ‘Korean Love Game’?
Sources close to the Ghaziabad probe say the so-called game begins when an unknown individual contacts a child via social media or mobile applications. The person often claims to be Korean or a foreign national and initiates conversations centered on friendship and emotional attachment.
Once trust is built, participants are allegedly given a series of tasks—initially harmless, such as waking up at odd hours. Over time, these tasks reportedly intensify, with threats used to enforce compliance. Investigators believe the sequence runs for 50 days, with the final task allegedly instructing participants to end their lives.
However, officials have stressed that no conclusive link has yet been established between the sisters’ deaths and the alleged game.
One significant detail noted by investigators is that the father told police his daughters had started using Korean names. When parents attempted to restrict phone usage, the sisters reportedly said, “… Korea is our life, Korea is our biggest love, whatever you say, we cannot give it up…”
Echoes of Past Online Challenges
Authorities have recalled similarities with the Blue Whale Challenge, believed to have originated in Russia, which involved escalating dares ending in suicide. India’s first reported case emerged in Mumbai in 2017, with similar incidents reported as recently as 2024.
The Momo Challenge, which surfaced in 2018, followed a comparable pattern, spreading through messaging platforms and involving psychological manipulation. It was linked to multiple deaths worldwide, including a 12-year-old girl in Argentina.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are still examining digital devices and online activity to determine how the sisters were exposed to the alleged game. Investigators have not yet identified the specific platform or application involved. Visuals from the residence revealed disturbing messages written on the bedroom walls, including “I am very very alone” and “make me a hert of broken (sic)”.
Authorities are also probing reports that other recent suicides, including that of a 13-year-old boy in Indore, may have possible links to similar online activity.
Call for Awareness and Support
Mental health advocates are calling for stronger safeguards on social media platforms, better reporting mechanisms, and increased access to counselling services. They also urge individuals facing emotional distress to seek help from trusted family members, professionals, or helplines.
Disclaimer
This report is based on preliminary information from investigative sources and media reports. The alleged “Korean love game” has not been officially confirmed as the cause of the deaths. Suicide is a complex mental health issue influenced by multiple factors. Storify News urges readers to avoid speculation and sensationalism. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, please seek professional help or contact a local mental health support service immediately.
