A family dispute over a mobile phone ended in tragedy in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after a 19-year-old and both of his parents died after falling from a hill, according to police.
The victims were identified as Kunal Chandgude, 19, his father Murlidhar Chandgude, 48, and his mother Sangita. The family lived in the Zalta Phata area.
Local reports said Kunal went to Khawadya Hill in Tisgaon at around 10 a.m. after arguing with his parents over a mobile phone. His parents followed him and tried to convince him to return home.
Police officers, villagers and fire brigade personnel also arrived at the scene and spent nearly three hours attempting to persuade Kunal to move away from the cliff. Firefighters tried to position a safety net below, but officials said he continued moving along the edge.
At around 1 p.m., Murlidhar approached his son in an attempt to calm him and pull him to safety. Police said Kunal then went over the edge, while his father also fell while trying to save him.
Sangita, after witnessing her husband and son fall, went over the cliff moments later, according to officials.
All three died in the incident. Their bodies were recovered and sent for postmortem examinations.
The tragedy occurred in the Tisgaon area under the jurisdiction of Waluj MIDC police. Local residents said the hill has previously been the site of suicide attempts.