← Back to India casesKunal Chandgude, Murli Dhar Chandgude, and others Murder Case, Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, India
Case Summary
On August 21, 2026, 19-year-old Kunal Chandgude stood on the edge of Khavdiya Hill in Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, threatening to end his life due to family separation stress. His parents, Murli Dhar and Sangeeta Chandgude, who had been living separately for three months due to family disputes, arrived to persuade him. During the rescue attempt, Murli Dhar lost balance while trying to grab Kunal, causing both to fall approximately 300 feet to their deaths. Witnessing this, Sangeeta jumped into the gorge and also died. Contrary to rumors, the incident was not about an iPhone but about Kunal's wish for his parents to reunite and live together. Postmortem and family disputes continued over the last rites, with the families cremating the bodies separately.
Basic Information
Country: India
State/Province: Maharashtra, India
City/Region: Sambhaji Nagar
Incident Type: Family Homicide
Relationship Status: None
Relationship Duration: Approximately 22 years (marriage)
Incident Date: Aug. 21, 2026
Incident Sequence and Additional Victims
Primary reported outcome: Homicide
Reported self-harm outcome: Completed suicide
Person(s) reported to have died by or attempted suicide: Sangeeta Chandgude
Reported sequence: Same incident; order unclear
Additional victims reported: 2
Additional victim events:
- Murli Dhar Chandgude — Family or household member; Killed; Same episode; order unclear
- Sangeeta Chandgude — Family or household member; Killed; Same episode; order unclear
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Family introduction
- Arranged marriage
Relationship Stages:
- Married Living Separately
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
- High-Conflict Household
Motives:
- Jealousy
- Family pressure
- Desire for new relationship
Relationship Outcomes:
- Homicide during marriage
- Deadbody recovery
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Family introduction
- Arranged marriage
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
Approximately 22 years (marriage)
Stages
- Married Living Separately
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
- High-Conflict Household
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
- Jealousy
- Family pressure
- Desire for new relationship
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2026-08-21
Outcome
- Homicide during marriage
- Deadbody recovery
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Kunal Chandgude, Murli Dhar Chandgude, and others Murder Case, Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, India
Crime Tak - India · Original language: English
View original title
EP 2316:i Phone के लिए नहीं Mummy-Papa के लिए पहाड़ी पर खड़ा था, 3 मौत के पीछे की असली कहानी ये है
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Family Opposition
Pattern Analysis
The incident arose from prolonged family opposition and conflict following a love marriage that was not accepted by the husband's family. This led to separation of the spouses and emotional distress for their son, culminating in a tragic accident and suicide attempt. The family disputes extended beyond life into disagreements over funeral rites.
Investigative Notes
Police conducted a three-day investigation confirming the incident was not about an iPhone but family disputes. The police reported a stressful home environment for months prior. Family members and police statements were collected. The incident was ruled accidental with subsequent suicide by the mother. Postmortem and funeral arrangements revealed ongoing family conflicts.
Investigation Confusion
Initial media reports falsely claimed the incident was caused by a demand for an iPhone. Conflicting narratives about the cause circulated widely before police clarified the family dispute context. The exact sequence of the fall and mother's jump remains somewhat unclear.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Kunal, distressed by his parents' separation and family disputes, went to Khavdiya Hill threatening suicide to emotionally reunite his parents. His father attempted to physically rescue him but lost balance, causing both to fall. The mother, witnessing the fall, jumped to her death. Police and fire brigade were present during the incident. The family dispute originated from non-acceptance of the marriage by the husband's family and escalated after the husband's nephew's death, leading to separation and estrangement.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to prolonged family conflict, separation, emotional distress of minor, and lack of effective conflict resolution. Presence of public and police intervention did not prevent fatal outcome.
Key Takeaways
Family opposition to marriage and prolonged separation can cause severe emotional distress in children. Public and police presence may not prevent fatal outcomes without effective mediation. Misleading media narratives can obscure true motives and delay understanding. Post-incident family conflicts can persist, complicating closure.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Kunal's message to a friend about going to the hill upset and possibly ending his life was a critical early signal. The parents' separation and ongoing family disputes were underlying stressors.
Which clues helped connect the case?
Kunal's absence from coaching class, his message about the hill, and the presence of police and fire brigade at the scene helped connect the incident to family distress rather than material demands.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Police investigation, family interviews, video recordings of the incident, and witness accounts were strongest evidence. The presence of the mobile phones and testimony about the iPhone being second-hand refuted rumors.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Witnesses reported seeing Kunal standing on the edge, police and fire brigade presence, and the fall of father and son. The mother was seen jumping after them. Family members and police officers provided statements. Not reported any contradictory eyewitness accounts.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Initial reports focused on an iPhone demand, but police investigation clarified the family dispute context. No further follow-up reports are available.
What remained unclear?
Exact moment and sequence of the fall remain somewhat unclear. The mother's decision to jump and her timing relative to the fall is not fully detailed.