Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aug 22: A 19-year-old man and his parents died in a tragic incident at Khavdya Hills in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district on Friday after the family went to the hill area following a dispute at home.

Police identified the deceased as Kunal Chandgude, 19, his father Murlidhar Chandgude, 48, and his mother Sangita Chandgude.

According to reports, Kunal had asked his father to buy him a new iPhone. Murlidhar, who worked as a driver and was reportedly the family’s sole earning member, was unable to afford the phone due to financial difficulties.

Following the argument, Kunal left home at around 10 am and went towards Khavdya Hills in the Tisgaon area.

Concerned about their son’s safety, his parents followed him and tried to persuade him to return home. Villagers, police personnel and firefighters later joined the rescue effort.

The operation continued for nearly three hours. Firefighters attempted to place a safety net below the steep section of the hill, but rescuers found it difficult to reach Kunal as he continued moving along the slope.

During the rescue attempt, Murlidhar reportedly moved closer to his son in an effort to persuade him to return. Police said Kunal subsequently fell from the hill, and his father also fell while attempting to reach him.

Sangita was standing nearby when the two fell. A video circulating online reportedly shows her falling from the hill shortly afterwards.

Several local residents and tourists who had gathered at the spot during the prolonged rescue operation witnessed the incident. Videos recorded at the site also captured parts of the efforts to persuade Kunal to move away from the edge.

The three family members died within minutes of one another. Police recovered the bodies and sent them for further formalities.

Further investigation into the incident is underway.