Former wrestler, two children found dead in Maharashtra fort

Former national wrestler Ashwini Pol, 30, and her two children were found dead in a 30-metre gorge at Naldurg Fort in Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district.

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

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

The Dharashvii police registered a case of incitement to suicide and dowry harassment against Pol’s wife and her in-laws after her father Tanaji Shivaji Mohite registered a complaint. Mr. Mohite, a teacher, is a resident of Whantal in Umarga. Before the incident, Pol, her six-year-old son and twin daughters lived in her mother’s house.

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

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

Pol won five gold and six silver medals in state and national competitions.

(Help to overcome suicidal thoughts is available on State Health Line 104, Tele-MANAS 14416 and SNEHA Suicide Prevention Helpline – 044 24640050 or any of the numbers listed in this link)

Published – 05 Sep 2026 13:33 IST