Teen, 19, and his parents plunge to their deaths from cliff after three-hour row over paying for expensive mobile phone ends in tragedy

By SOPHIA STANFORD, NEWS REPORTER Published: 12:25, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 12:26, 23 August 2026 A teenager and his parents plunged to their deaths from a cliff after arguing over a phone. Kunal Chandude, 19, is believed to have approached the cliff edge, threatening to take his own life following a dispute over the purchase of an iPhone. After three hours of negotiations atop Khawadya Hill, India, Kunal's father tried to grab his son, which led to the teen jumping. As Kunal fell into the 250-foot gorge, the father, Murlidhar, 48, also plunged to his death, shortly followed by the mother. It was reported that Kunal bought a new iPhone with the intention he would pay it off with monthly instalments, however ultimately could not afford the rolling cost. Kunal allegedly asked his taxi-driver father for money to pay off the latest bill but he refused, leading to the disagreement.  The teenager then made his way to Khawadya Hill in Tisgaon, near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, at around 10am on Friday, followed closely by his father and mother, Sangita, who were anxious for his safety. His parents, alongside police and local villagers, spent three hours pleading with the teen to back away from the edge of the cliff as he contemplated jumping. A teenager and his parents plunged to their deaths from Khawadya Hill, India, after arguing over a phone Distressing videos online show the teen standing near to the edge as crowds of people beg him to move away and his mother drops to her knees in anguish.  Firefighters set up a net below Kunal in the hopes to catch him, however, he continued moving along the edge, out of reach. At around 1pm, Murlidhar moved closer to his son while trying to deescalate the situation and try pull him away from the edge but this caused Kunal to jump, per The Indian Express. According to police, Murlidhar fell from the cliff while trying to save his son, however it was reported that some believe he was pulled. Sangita watched the tussle from the cliff top but fell soon after, with officials suggesting that she jumped. Sangita, who had 29,000 followers on her YouTube channel that shares 'motivational' content, reportedly said the day before the accident: '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, or does not value what you do for them, then there is no point in doing anything for such a person'  District Collector and Magistrate Vinay Gowda reportedly said: 'The boy fell from the cliff and holding on to his father's hand, pulled him down with him.' An investigation has been opened into the incident and the bodies have been returned to their relatives following a post-mortem.  For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support