Report by Swati
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR
August 22, 2026
A family dispute over a mobile phone ended in tragedy in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Friday, with a 48-year-old man, his wife and their 19-year-old son dying after a sequence of fatal falls from a hilltop, police said.
The deceased have been identified as Murlidhar Chandgude (48), his wife Sangita, and their 19-year-old son Kunal, residents of the Zalta Phata area of the city.
According to police, the tragic chain of events began around 10 am, when Kunal climbed the hill after reportedly becoming upset following an argument with his parents over his demand for a new mobile phone.
Concerned about their son’s safety, Murlidhar and Sangita followed him to the hilltop and reportedly tried to reason with him and persuade him to return home.
Rescue Effort Turns Fatal
Despite efforts by the family, villagers, police and fire brigade personnel to convince Kunal to come down, the situation took a tragic turn.
Police said Kunal fell from the hilltop. His father reportedly attempted to save him but also fell into the gorge.
In another devastating turn of events, Sangita reportedly went over the edge after witnessing her husband and son fall.
All three family members died in the incident.
Police and rescue teams subsequently reached the location and recovered the bodies.
Police Probe Underway
The exact circumstances surrounding the sequence of falls are being investigated. Police are examining the events leading up to the incident, including the reported dispute between Kunal and his parents over the mobile phone.
The incident has left the local community shocked, with a domestic disagreement escalating into the loss of three lives within a short span of time.
Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.
