A family of three died following a dispute involving an unpaid phone instalment in Maharashtra, India.
The incident involved an 18-year-old man and his parents, according to police. The tragedy occurred in the Tisgaon area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Police identified the teenager as Kunal. He had reportedly purchased an iPhone and was struggling to pay an outstanding instalment.
According to police, Kunal had an argument with his father, Murlidhar Chandgude, about the pending payment. After the disagreement, the teenager left his home and went to a nearby hill.
His parents followed him after learning about the situation. Local residents also gathered at the location to help.
Locals Tried to Bring Teenager to Safety
Kunal reportedly threatened to jump from the hill, prompting efforts to persuade him to move away from the edge. The rescue effort continued for nearly three hours.
Local residents reportedly asked the teenager to think about his family and his future.
Some people even offered to arrange an iPhone 15 Pro to convince him to return to safety. At around 1pm, Kunal’s father moved closer and attempted to bring his son away from the dangerous location.
During the attempt, both reportedly lost their balance and fell into a gorge. Kunal’s mother, Sangeeta, witnessed the incident. Police said she subsequently also fell from the hill.
All three family members died at the scene, according to authorities.
Police Investigate Family’s Deaths
Authorities later recovered the bodies and sent them for post-mortem examinations.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.Authorities also said Kunal had reportedly made self-harm threats over a phone-related demand in the past.
However, police have not confirmed reports suggesting that the teenager was experiencing depression.
The investigation is expected to examine the events leading up to the tragedy. The case has also drawn attention to pressures surrounding expensive consumer products among young people.
High-priced smartphones, including the iPhone, can represent a significant financial commitment when purchased through instalment plans.
However, the precise circumstances and motivations behind this incident remain subject to the police investigation.
The tragedy also highlights the importance of treating threats of self-harm as an immediate safety concern.
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People facing such situations should seek urgent assistance from family members, trusted individuals, emergency services, or qualified professionals.
