Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aug 23: The pet dog of the Chandgude family, which was left alone after the deaths of 19-year-old Kunal Chandgude and his parents at Khavdya Dongar in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, has been rescued and moved to a safe place.

The dog, named Sheru, had been living with Kunal and his parents. After the tragedy on Aug 21, Sheru was left alone inside the family's house. The dog reportedly kept barking continuously after the three family members failed to return home. Neighbours said Sheru refused to eat even when they offered him biscuits and expressed concern about his condition.

Following reports about Sheru's plight, a pet lovers' association stepped in to rescue the animal. The rescue effort was also supported by media reports highlighting the dog's condition. Sheru has now been taken out of the house and placed in a safe location.

Reports said Kunal had been taking care of Sheru and the dog had been closely associated with the family. Kunal's grandfather had earlier expressed his willingness to take responsibility for the pet after the deaths of his grandson and daughter and son-in-law.

The tragedy occurred on Aug 21 at Khavdya Dongar near Tisgaon in the Waluj MIDC area. Police said Kunal had gone to the hill following an argument with his parents over a mobile phone. His parents, Murlidhar and Sangita Chandgude, reached the spot after learning that their son was in danger. Police, villagers and rescue personnel reportedly spent nearly three hours trying to persuade Kunal to move away from the edge. When he eventually fell, his father also fell while attempting to save him, and his mother subsequently fell from the hill. All three died.

The circumstances leading to the tragedy are now being examined by police. While the initial account pointed to a dispute over an iPhone, subsequent reports have raised questions about the family's internal tensions. Sangita had reportedly made allegations against members of the family through social media, while relatives have provided differing accounts about the circumstances surrounding the dispute. Police are looking into these aspects as part of the investigation.

Murlidhar Chandgude was reportedly working as a driver and often remained away from home for work. Relatives and reports have suggested that family disputes may have existed, but police have not established that any particular factor alone was responsible for the incident.

With Sheru now rescued, the focus has shifted to ensuring his continued care after losing all three people with whom he had lived. The incident has also raised wider questions about the circumstances that preceded the deaths of the Chandgude family members.