Maharashtra: A tragic incident in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district claimed the lives of three members of a family after an 18-year-old teenager fell from a hill while his father attempted to rescue him. The teenager’s mother also fell from the cliff moments later.
According to police officials, the incident began around 10 a.m. when the teenager, identified as Kunal, went to the edge of a hill and threatened to take his own life. His parents, villagers and police personnel spent nearly three hours trying to convince him to move away from the edge.
Teen threatens to jump after argument over mobile phone
The teenager, a resident of the Zalta Phata area, was reportedly upset following an argument with his parents over his demand for a new mobile phone.
Concerned about his safety, his parents followed him to the hilltop and tried to persuade him to return home. Local villagers, police and fire brigade personnel also joined the efforts.
Fire service personnel reportedly attempted to place a safety net at the bottom of the hill, but the teenager continued moving along the cliff edge, making the rescue operation difficult.
Father attempts to save son
The situation took a tragic turn around 1 p.m. when the teenager moved closer to the edge. His father, Murlidhar Chandgude, 48, who had initially been trying to reason with his son from below, climbed up the hill during the final stage of the standoff.
As Murlidhar attempted to grab his son and pull him away from the edge, the teenager fell. The father also lost his balance while trying to save him, causing both to plunge from the hill.
The teenager’s mother, Sangita, witnessed her husband and son fall and subsequently also fell from the hill, police said.
Three family members die
Murlidhar, Sangita and their 18-year-old son Kunal died in the incident.
Police recovered the bodies and sent them for further formalities. The incident has left the local community shocked.