iPhone EMI Dispute Ends in Deaths of Teenager and Parents in Maharashtra Hill Tragedy

An 18-year-old and his parents died in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after an argument over an iPhone EMI ended in a fatal incident at a hill in Tisgaon.

Dispute Over iPhone Instalments

According to police, the teenager, identified as Kunal, had purchased an iPhone but was unable to keep up with its instalment payments. A dispute over money for the latest EMI reportedly led to an argument with his father, Murlidhar Chandgude.

After the argument, Kunal left home and went to a hill in Tisgaon, within the limits of the Waluj MIDC police station. His parents followed him as local residents also gathered at the spot.

The incident took place on Friday and was witnessed by several people. Parts of the episode were recorded on mobile phones.

Three-Hour Attempt To Persuade Teen

Kunal remained near the edge of the hill for nearly three hours, refusing repeated requests to come back.

Local residents and others at the spot tried to reason with him. Sanjay Jadhav, a former sarpanch of Tisgaon, was among those who attempted to persuade him to step away from the edge.

According to accounts from the scene, people appealed to him to think about his mother and his future. Some even offered to arrange an iPhone 15 Pro for him.

Despite these attempts, Kunal reportedly remained unwilling to leave the spot.

Father Tries To Bring Him Back

Around 1 pm, Kunal’s father approached him on the hilltop and attempted to pull him away from the edge.

During the struggle, both reportedly lost their balance and fell into the gorge. Kunal and his father died in the fall.

His mother, Sangeeta, witnessed the incident. She subsequently fell from the hill as well and died.

The three family members died at the scene, according to police. Their bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

Police Probe Underway

The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Waluj MIDC police station. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

NDTV reported that police said the dispute over the iPhone instalment was the trigger for the confrontation. Reports have also mentioned claims that Kunal was battling depression, although police have not confirmed those reports.

The incident has also raised questions about the response at the site. Police and fire brigade personnel were reportedly present during the prolonged attempt to bring the teenager to safety, while questions have been raised over whether additional rescue measures could have prevented the fatal falls.

The tragedy has drawn attention to the pressure surrounding expensive consumer purchases, family finances and the emotional distress that can accompany disputes over money. The police investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events and the circumstances that led to the deaths.