Maharashtra: Ex-wrestler and two children dead after fall at fort; dowry abetment case registered

In a tragic incident, former national-level wrestler Ashwini Pol (30) and two of her children died at Naldurg fort in Maharashtra's Dharashiv district. Her third child, a daughter, is seriously injured and undergoing treatment.

The bodies were recovered from a 100-foot-deep gorge at the Upli bastion of Naldurg Fort in Tuljapur tehsil on Thursday. Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide and dowry harassment against Ashwini's spouse and in-laws based on a complaint by her father, Tanaji Shivaji Mohite (54), a teacher from Whantal in Umarga.

Investigating officer Ravindra Gaikwad said the prima facie investigation indicates that Ashwini was harassed over dowry and mentally tortured for giving birth to twin daughters. The case has been filed under sections 80 (dowry death), 108 (abetment of suicide) and 85 (cruelty by a husband or his relatives against a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Ashwini was a decorated athlete, having won five gold and six silver medals in state and national-level wrestling competitions. On the day of the incident, she visited the fort with her six-year-old son Ajinkya and two-and-a-half-year-old twin daughters, Kranti and Veera. Ashwini and Ajinkya died on the spot. Kranti succumbed to injuries during treatment, while Veera is on ventilator support.

According to police, Ashwini and her children had been living at her maternal home in Whantal for some time before the tragedy. Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the incident.

If you or someone you know is facing suicidal thoughts or mental health distress, help is available. Contact the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, or SNEHA's suicide prevention helpline at 044 24640050.