Sangeeta’s maternal family said disputes between the couple, including conflicts over property-related issues, had affected the family
Kunal Chandgude, a 19-year-old boy who fell from a cliff in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, wanted his parents to resolve their differences and stay together, the family’s relatives said, suggesting that the iPhone EMI narrative was a “rumour”.
The incident unfolded on August 21 when Kunal reportedly jumped off a cliff on a hill in Waluj. His father, Murlidhar, tried to rescue him and lost his balance before slipping off the cliff. Seconds later, Sangeeta –– who witnessed her husband and son fall –– also died after jumping off the same hill. Their bodies were recovered by the investigators.
Sangeeta’s maternal family said disputes between the couple, including conflicts over property-related issues, had affected the family. They said that Kunal sought to bring his parents together and wanted them to work on their differences, India Today reported.
They described Kunal as a brilliant student who had scored 82 per cent in Class 10. According to them, he wanted to become a doctor.
They also rejected claims that the 19-year-old threatened his parents to jump off the hill as he was seeking their help to pay for the monthly instalments for an Apple iPhone, which he had purchased.
Sangeeta’s sister, Pallavi Patil, said the iPhone narrative is a “rumour”. She suggested those who spread such tales “know nothing”, NDTV reported.
Kunal’s Parents Had A Love Marriage
Murlidhar’s sister, Shobha Rajendra Maske, said the couple had a love marriage about 22 years ago. Upset about the marriage, the man’s family did not attend the wedding. Therefore, Shobha said, relations between Murlidhar and his family remained sour after the marriage, according to India Today.
She also mentioned the reported differences the couple had faced over the years.
How Incident Unfolded
On August 21, Kunal left home around 8 AM for his classes. However, his location was traced to the hill between 10 AM and 10:30 AM, after which villagers reportedly informed the police.
The fire brigade was also called around 11:30 AM. When the team arrived, Kunal was standing near the edge of the hill and kept moving around. Rescue teams placed a safety net below as a precaution and tried to convince him to return.
Meanwhile, his parents also reached the location to persuade their son to return.
During the efforts, Murlidhar approached his son and tried to rescue him by grabbing his hand. The father-son duo then lost their balance fell off the cliff. Sangeeta, who witnessed her husband and son fall off the hill, reportedly jumped off the cliff and died, according to police.