Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aug 24: A family dispute, rather than an argument over an iPhone, has emerged as a possible reason behind the deaths of an 18-year-old youth and his parents at Khavdya Dongar in Tisgaon area of Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, according to the preliminary police investigation.
The deceased have been identified as Kunal Chandgude, his father Murlidhar Chandgude and mother Sangeeta Chandgude. The tragedy occurred on Aug 21 after Kunal reportedly went to the hill following an argument at home and threatened to end his life. His parents, along with villagers, police and fire brigade personnel, reached the spot and spent several hours trying to persuade him to move away from the cliff.
According to the police account, Kunal's father moved towards him in an attempt to save him. Kunal fell from the cliff and Murlidhar also fell while attempting to catch or pull his son back. Sangeeta subsequently fell from the hill as well. All three died in the incident.
The incident initially attracted widespread attention after reports claimed that Kunal had gone to the hill following a dispute with his parents over an expensive iPhone and its EMI payments. A local sarpanch, Sanjay Jadhav, was among those who tried to convince the teenager to return to safety and even offered to arrange an iPhone for him. Despite the efforts of the sarpanch, villagers, police and rescuers, Kunal reportedly refused to move away from the edge.
However, police have now said that the iPhone theory does not appear to explain the entire incident. Preliminary investigations indicate that there were serious differences within the family. Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Atulkar said the tragedy appeared to have resulted from a family dispute and serious differences, while Assistant Police Inspector Naresh Thakre said investigators found that tensions had developed after Murlidhar renewed contact with his sisters following a reconciliation.
Police also found that both Kunal and his mother were already using iPhones, weakening the initial theory that the teenager's demand for a phone was the main trigger. Investigators are now examining the family's domestic circumstances and disputes that had reportedly continued for several months.
Kunal's grandfather, Babanrao Gabhude, has also rejected the iPhone theory. According to a report in Maharashtra Times, he said the phone had nothing to do with the incident and that Kunal had not intended to die. He reportedly pointed to a longstanding dispute involving Kunal and his paternal aunt, saying the two had allegedly not spoken to each other for around 17 to 18 years.
Family-related allegations have continued to surface following the tragedy. A relative has reportedly made counter-allegations concerning an incident dating back around two decades. These claims and counter-claims have not been independently established and are being examined in the broader context of the family's history.
Police are also examining old social-media posts and videos uploaded by Sangeeta. In one video that reportedly surfaced during the investigation, she spoke about relationships, emotional investment and leaving relationships in which a person's efforts and sacrifices are not valued. Another purported video reportedly contained allegations about interference in her family life and differences between family members. Police are examining the material for possible clues about the family's circumstances before the tragedy, though the allegations made in the videos have not been independently verified.
Another significant detail to emerge from the investigation is that Kunal had reportedly threatened to end his life at the same location about a year earlier. Police are examining the earlier incident as they try to understand his state of mind and the circumstances that led to the latest tragedy.
The family's pet dog, Sheru, was reportedly left inside their house after the tragedy and continued howling until police opened the residence on Saturday for the panchnama. On Sunday, Kunal's maternal grandfather handed the dog over to the Aurangabad Pet Lovers' Association for care.
Videos recorded during the rescue attempt have also surfaced, showing villagers and others desperately trying to persuade Kunal to step back from the cliff. The sarpanch and other people reportedly spent considerable time speaking to him in an effort to prevent the tragedy.
The incident was initially widely reported as a tragedy linked to an iPhone dispute. However, the latest police findings indicate that the circumstances were more complicated and that longstanding family discord may have played a major role.
Police are continuing to investigate the family's history, the alleged disputes, Kunal's previous behaviour and the events immediately preceding the deaths. The exact circumstances and sequence of events leading to the tragedy are yet to be conclusively established.