Maharashtra Hill Tragedy: Teen Falls to Death, Parents Die Trying to Save Him

A Maharashtra hill tragedy in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Friday claimed the lives of an 18-year-old boy and his parents after an attempt to prevent the teenager from jumping from a hilltop ended in a fatal chain of falls.
The incident occurred at Khavda Hill in the Tisgaon area, which falls under the Waluj MIDC police jurisdiction. Police identified the deceased as 18-year-old Kunal Chandgude, his 48-year-old father Murlidhar Chandgude and his mother Sangita. The family was reportedly from the Zalta Phata area.
According to officials, the incident began at around 10 am when Kunal went up the hill following an argument with his parents over his demand for a new mobile phone. He reportedly threatened to end his life and remained near the edge of the steep hillside.
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Nearly three hours of efforts to bring the teenager to safety
The situation quickly drew the attention of local residents, police personnel and fire brigade officials. The family and others spent nearly three hours attempting to convince Kunal to move away from the edge.
Rescue personnel also tried to prepare a safety net below the hill in case the teenager fell. However, officials said the rescue operation was complicated because Kunal continued moving along the cliff edge.
His father initially remained below the hill and tried to reason with him. As the standoff continued, Murlidhar eventually climbed towards his son during the final part of the rescue effort.
Father tries to grab son as he approaches the edge
The situation took a tragic turn at around 1 pm.
As Kunal moved close to the edge, his father approached him and reportedly attempted to grab him. The teenager then fell from the steep hillside. Murlidhar tried to save his son but also lost his balance and fell.
Sangita, who witnessed her husband and son falling, also fell from the hill moments later, according to officials.
All three died in the incident.
Police and rescue personnel later recovered the bodies and sent them for the required formalities. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths are expected to emerge as the authorities complete their inquiry.
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A rescue attempt that ended in tragedy
The incident highlights how quickly a suicide threat can turn into an extremely dangerous rescue situation, particularly at locations involving steep cliffs and difficult terrain.
People present at the site reportedly continued trying to persuade the teenager to step away from the edge, while emergency teams worked to create a safety arrangement below him. Despite those efforts, the situation could not be brought under control.
The tragedy has left an entire family dead following what began as a dispute at home and escalated into a prolonged emergency at the hilltop.
Authorities are now completing the formal investigation into the incident and the sequence of events that led to the three deaths.

