iPhone row: Teen dies in cliff fall, parents die in rescue attempt
A family of three died in a tragic incident on Friday (August 21, 2026) at Khavdya Hill in Tisgaon, near Deonai village in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The victims were identified as Kunal Murlidhar Chandvade, 18, his father Murlidhar Chandvade, 48, and his mother Sangeeta Murlidhar Chandvade, 42. The incident is said to have begun with a disagreement over the purchase of a new iPhone.
According to District Collector Vinay Gowda, Kunal asked his father for a new iPhone but the father refused. "The boy was not happy and went to the cliff of Khavdya Hill, Tisgaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, at 10 a.m. and threatened to try to convince his parents," Mr. Gowda said.
The village sarpanch and other villagers tried to pacify the boy, but he would not listen. The father then climbed up the hill to bring his son away from the edge of the cliff, Mr. Gowda added.
A tragic turn occurred when the boy fell from the cliff. "The boy fell from the cliff, and holding on to his father's hand, pulled him down with him," the Collector said. "After seeing them fall, his mother, Sangeeta Murlidhar Chandvade, 42, tried to rescue her son and husband but slipped and fell in the process," Mr. Gowda added. All three died on the spot.
Assistant Police Inspector Naresh Thakare confirmed that the postmortem examinations were completed and the bodies were returned to the relatives. A case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, has been registered.
Section 194 of the BNSS mandates that upon receiving information about an unnatural or suspicious death, the officer in charge shall immediately report the matter to the jurisdictional magistrate and proceed to the spot. The officer must conduct an investigation and prepare a report in the prescribed format. This is not a penal provision but a procedural one that ensures that no unnatural death goes unexamined.
The police are recording statements from the sarpanch and other villagers who were present at the scene. No third-party involvement is suspected so far. The investigation will continue, and a detailed report will be submitted to the court.
The sudden deaths have left Deonai village in deep shock. On Friday evening, relatives and neighbours gathered at the victims' house. The local administration has expressed grief and assured support. This incident also highlights the growing peer pressure on young people to own expensive smartphones and other gadgets, which can sometimes lead to family disputes.
Counsellors recommend that parents discuss financial constraints openly with their children rather than dismissing their requests. They also advise young people to understand that material possessions do not define self-worth. If a disagreement escalates to threats or suicidal ideas, it is crucial to involve a trusted adult or seek professional help immediately.
If you or someone you know is facing suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact the State health helpline at 104, Tele-MANAS at 14416, or Sneha's suicide prevention helpline at 044-24640050.
