Indore Woman Techie Killed After Being Run Over For Protesting Airbnb Penthouse Use
Shampa Pandey, a software engineer and mother of two, died after being deliberately run over.
A 35-year-old software engineer was killed after being run over by a car during a dispute over the use of a residential penthouse as a short-term rental property in Indore. The incident took place late Wednesday night at Shiv Vatika Smriti Enclave, where residents had been protesting against the use of the apartment as an Airbnb-style accommodation, citing safety concerns.
The victim, identified as Shampa Pandey, had joined other residents in opposing the alleged commercial use of the penthouse located on the seventh floor of the building. According to locals, tensions had been building for several weeks as frequent movement of unknown visitors into the residential complex raised concerns about security, particularly during late-night hours.
Residents said they had recently held discussions with the property owner, Kuldeep Chaudhary, in an attempt to resolve the issue amicably. However, tensions escalated on Wednesday when the penthouse was reportedly rented out again. In response, some residents allegedly cut off the electricity supply to the unit, which triggered a confrontation between the parties involved.
During the altercation, Chaudhary reportedly called his son, Monish, to the scene. Witnesses claimed that Monish arrived in a car and, in a fit of anger, drove the vehicle into individuals present at the site. CCTV footage from the premises reportedly shows him first hitting another person before circling back and running over Shampa Pandey, leaving her critically injured.
Pandey was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. The incident has left residents in shock, with neighbours highlighting that she was a mother of two young children. The case has also reignited concerns about the regulation of short-term rental properties within residential communities.
Police have arrested both Kuldeep Chaudhary and his son Monish in connection with the case. Authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway, with officials questioning the accused and examining available evidence, including CCTV footage. Residents have also demanded stricter action, including the removal of such properties from rental platforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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