Mother's Relationship Video Precedes Maharashtra Hill Tragedy
In a tragic incident, a woman who posted a video on relationships just a day before her death died along with her husband and son after falling into a gorge in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The incident occurred on Friday at Kohdya Dongar hill.
Sangita Chandgude, her husband Murlidhar Chandgude (48), and their 18-year-old son Kunal fell into a 200-foot gorge. Police said the family had gone to the hill after an argument over the EMIs for Kunal's new phone.
On Thursday, Sangita, who ran a YouTube channel with over 29,000 followers, had posted a self-recorded video in Marathi about relationships. In the one-minute video, she said there was "no point in doing anything for a person who does not value love."
"Be ready to give your fate but to that person who values you, who values your love. If a person does not value you, does not value your love, if what you do for him is not of his value, then for such a person, there is no point in doing anything," she said.
She also used an analogy of a chapati, saying it "tastes good only when it gets roasted from both sides." She applied this to relationships, emphasising that both partners must value each other for a relationship to be meaningful.
In other videos on her channel, Sangita spoke about family dynamics, including the role of sisters in a brother's family. She had said sisters often do not try to understand their sister-in-law and may create misunderstandings, which can harm family bonds.
According to police, the sequence of events on Friday began around 10 am when Kunal trekked up the hill. He had recently bought an iPhone and had been asking his family for money to pay the EMIs. His father was alerted and went to the spot. Later, Sangita and other locals also followed to convince Kunal to return home.
After about three hours, Murlidhar climbed to where Kunal was standing and tried to pull him back from the edge. Both lost their balance and fell into the gorge. Witnessing this, Sangita also jumped from the hill, police said. All three died on the spot.
Police sources added that Kunal had visited the same spot last year with the intention of ending his life, but was counselled and brought down safely.
The family had reportedly been living separately after the death of their elder son from an illness about six years ago. Sangita's videos suggest she often reflected on personal and family relationships, which she described as essential to a fulfilled life.
The incident has raised concerns about the pressures faced by young people and families regarding financial expectations and mental health. Authorities have urged people facing such situations to seek professional help and counselling.
