Maharashtra Hilltop Tragedy: Teenager Attempts Suicide Over iPhone, Parents Try to Save Him; All Three Die

IN A DEVASTATING INCIDENT in Maharashtra, a teenager and his parents lost their lives over an iPhone after they fell from a hilltop in Khavdya Dongar on August 21, 2026. Police said the tragedy occurred after the teenager’s father refused to buy him an iPhone, prompting him to take the drastic step. His father also fell from the hilltop while trying to save his son.

The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Kunal Chandgude and his parents, Muralidhar Chandgude and Sangita Chandgude. As per reports, the tragic incident took place at Khavdya Dongar in Tisgaon, Maharashtra, a popular hiking area in the region. 

See Also: Karnataka Family Tragedy: Husband Allegedly Kills Wife, Two Daughters, Then Dies by Suicide

How Did the Khavdya Dongar Suicide Unfold?

According to Waluj Police Inspector Rameshwar Ghade, Kunal Chandgude wanted a brand-new iPhone, but his father, a driver, refused to buy one for him due to their financial situation. Various media reports suggest that Kunal was upset and decided to take the extreme step after reaching the hilltop at around 10 a.m. 

Another narrative surrounding the Khavdya Dongar suicide, as per a report by NDTV, is that Kunal had already purchased an iPhone but was unable to pay the EMI, which led to a heated argument with his father.

After Kunal left, his concerned parents also followed him to the hilltop before the tragedy took place.

The information quickly spread, and personnel from the police and fire brigade reached the spot along with local residents. Videos of the incident have gone viral on the internet, with users calling the suicide “unfortunate” and “heartbreaking.” A safety net was installed in an attempt to rescue the teenager, but he repeatedly changed his position. Several people pleaded with Kunal to step back and not take the extreme step. The tense situation continued for nearly three hours.

Tisgaon Sarpanch Sanjay Jadhav said, as quoted by The Times of India, “We kept telling him to think of his mother and not take the step.” Jadhav further added that he had offered to give Kunal an iPhone, but nothing seemed to work, as Kunal appeared determined to jump. In the now-viral video, a man pleaded with him to live for his mother. Kunal replied, “No, I have to die. That remains the only way.” 

See also: Maharashtra Horror: 12-Year-Old Girl Beaten To Death With Stone, Police Suspect Rape Before Murder

In his final moments, Kunal’s father stepped forward and attempted to persuade him not to take the extreme step. He had closed the distance between them, but Kunal jumped off the hilltop. His father, Muralidhar, tried to grab him but lost his balance and fell from the hilltop with him.

Police said that his mother, Sangita, who was standing nearby, witnessed her son and husband fall from the hilltop. Just moments later, she also jumped, killing herself. The Chandgude family died just minutes apart from each other. The police recovered their bodies and sent them for further formalities. 

Police Commissioner Parvin Pawar told TOI that the police are currently trying to establish the exact sequence of events as part of the investigation. Investigators have also recorded the statements of eyewitnesses who were present at the scene.

[VS]

(Edited by Harsh Pandey)

Suggested Reading: