Former national-level wrestler Ashwini Pol (30) and her two children have been found dead in a 100-foot gorge at the Naldurg fort in Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district.

Her third child, who was found in a seriously injured condition at the site, is on ventilator support.

“A prima facie investigation shows that Ashwini was harassed over dowry and mentally tortured for giving birth to twin daughters,” said Ravindra Gaikwad, the investigating officer in the case.

The Dharashvi police have registered a case of abetment to suicide and dowry harassment against Pol’s spouse and her in-laws after a complaint was registered by her father, Tanaji Shivaji Mohite. Mr. Mohite, a teacher, is a resident of Whantal in Umarga. Before the incident, Pol, her six-year-old son and twin daughters had been living at her maternal home.

The incident took place on Thursday (September 3, 2026). Her surviving daughter is in a critical condition.

The police registered the case against her spouse and in-laws under sections 80 (dowry death), 108 (abetment of suicide) and 85 (cruelty by a husband or his relatives against a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 

Pol had won five gold and six silver medals in State- and national-level wrestling competitions.

[Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416 and SNEHA’s suicide prevention helpline – 044 24640050 or from any of the numbers in this link]