Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : The Naldurg Fort tragedy claimed its fourth victim on Saturday after two-and-a-half-year-old Veera , the lone survivor among the four family members who plunged into a gorge earlier this week, succumbed to severe head injuries in hospital.
With Veera’s death, all four victims — former national-level wrestler Ashwini Pol (30), her son Ajinkya (5), and twin daughters Kranti and Veera — have died in the suspected murder-suicide. Police said that on Sept 3, Ashwini took her three children to the fort and allegedly pushed them into the gorge before jumping herself. Acting on a complaint filed by Ashwini’s father, police arrested her husband and father-in-law within 24 hours of registering an FIR.
Police said the whereabouts of Ashwini’s mother-in-law and her husband’s aunt, also named as accused in the case, are yet not known. The accused allegedly harassed Ashwini for dowry, demanding gold bangles and money to buy an autorickshaw, according to the FIR. Ashwini and Ajinkya died on the spot, while Kranti died during treatment later that night. The deaths have triggered a criminal investigation into allegations of dowry harassment and domestic abuse. Both have been remanded in police custody till Monday. Police suspect prolonged physical and mental harassment pushed the wrestler to take the extreme step along with her three children.
Veera initially survived and was undergoing treatment until her death on Saturday.
Fatal Incident at Fort Involves Children and Confectionery
In a tragic incident, Ashwini reportedly fed her three children cake and chocolates before taking drastic action. Authorities confirmed that Ashwini chose to feed the children at the entrance of the fort, as outside food is prohibited within the site. This detail was shared by Gaikwad during the preliminary investigation.