Maharashtra Hill Tragedy: What Happened?
A Maharashtra hill tragedy in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has taken a new turn, with relatives pointing to long-running disputes between a couple as police and fire officials reconstruct the events that led to the deaths of 19-year-old Kunal Chandgude and his parents, Murlidhar and Sangeeta, at Khuwadiya hill.
According to police and fire brigade officials, the incident unfolded during a rescue attempt after Kunal reached the hilltop on Monday morning. Family members, police personnel and fire brigade officials tried to persuade him to return to safety as he repeatedly changed his position.
During the rescue operation, Murlidhar approached his son and tried to hold his hand. Both reportedly lost their balance and fell nearly 300 feet into the rocky terrain. Moments later, Sangeeta also jumped from the hill after witnessing her husband and son fall, police said.
The incident has prompted investigators to examine what happened within the family before the Maharashtra hill tragedy.
Family Says Kunal Wanted Parents to Reconcile
Sangeeta’s maternal family has offered a different perspective on the circumstances preceding the tragedy.
Relatives claimed that disputes between Murlidhar and Sangeeta, including tensions related to property, had affected the family. They said Kunal wanted his parents to resolve their differences and live together peacefully.
According to relatives, Kunal was a bright student who scored 82 per cent in his Class 10 CBSE examination this year. They said he wanted to pursue an MBBS degree.
The family believes these circumstances may be relevant to understanding the events that preceded Kunal’s arrival at Khuwadiya hill.
Family Says Kunal Wanted Parents to Reconcile
Sangeeta’s maternal family has offered a different perspective on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Relatives claimed that disputes between Murlidhar and Sangeeta, including tensions related to property, had affected the family.
According to them, Kunal wanted his parents to resolve their differences and live together peacefully.
Relatives described Kunal as a bright student who had scored 82 per cent in his Class 10 CBSE examination this year. They said he wanted to pursue an MBBS degree.
The family’s account has become an important part of the emerging picture as investigators examine the events that preceded Kunal’s arrival at the hill.
Father’s Family Gives a Different Account
Murlidhar’s sister, Shobha Rajendra Maske, provided another account of the couple’s relationship.
She said Murlidhar and Sangeeta had a love marriage around 22 years ago. According to her, Murlidhar’s parents had opposed the marriage and did not attend the wedding.
She also claimed that relations between Murlidhar and his family remained strained after the marriage and referred to differences between the couple that had continued over the years.
The contrasting accounts from the two families have added another dimension to the investigation.
Neighbours Saw No Obvious Signs of Trouble
People who knew the family, however, said they had not noticed anything unusual in their everyday lives.
Aditya Deshpande, caretaker of the house where the Chandgude family had been living, said they moved into the rented property around four months ago. He described the family as well-behaved and said Kunal generally kept to himself.
Murlidhar’s colleagues also described him as quiet and disciplined. Pawan Otambe, a manager at Chaudhary Transport, said Murlidhar had worked there as a driver for around 10 years and that no complaints had been made against him.
Rescue Operation Ends in Tragedy
According to the police reconstruction, Kunal left home at around 8 am, reportedly to attend classes. When he failed to reach his institute by around 9.10 am, the institute contacted his mother.
His location was subsequently traced to the hill between 10 am and 10.30 am. Villagers alerted the police at around 10.45 am, following which the fire brigade was called at approximately 11.30 am.
When rescuers reached the site, Kunal was on the hilltop and continued changing his position. Officials attempted to convince him to return while placing a safety net below as a precaution.
During the rescue attempt, Murlidhar moved towards his son and tried to grab his hand. Both reportedly lost their balance and fell. Sangeeta then jumped from the hill moments later, according to police.
A fire brigade employee also suffered minor injuries during the operation.
The three bodies were later brought to Ghati Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Pet Dog Left Behind After Family Dies
The tragedy also left the family’s pet dog, Sheru, alone inside the house.
The dog reportedly remained locked inside for two days after the deaths. Neighbours provided food and water before an animal welfare group rescued him.
Sheru has since been moved to a municipal shelter, while the animal welfare group has appealed for a family willing to adopt him.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths continues, with police examining the family’s history, the events at Khuwadiya hill and the different accounts provided by relatives.
