A 16-year-old boy, Atharva Gopal Tayade, took his life by jumping off Khvadya Hill in the Sajapur area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Sunday, August 3, 2025, after his parents reportedly refused to buy him a new mobile phone. Tayade, a student preparing for the police recruitment examination, was found motionless on the rocky surface below the hill by two passersby who rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.

Originally from Jalgaon Jamod in Buldhana district, Tayade was residing in Sajapur. Police investigations revealed that his distress stemmed from his family’s refusal to purchase a new smartphone, a recurring issue that reportedly led to his drastic decision. This incident follows a disturbing pattern in the region, with similar cases linked to mobile phone disputes, including a 17-year-old’s suicide in October 2024 after excessive phone use was curbed.

The Waluj police have registered an accidental death report and are probing further to understand the circumstances. Authorities are also examining potential underlying factors, such as academic pressure or mental health challenges, given Tayade’s preparation for the competitive police exam.

A 2025 study highlighted that nearly one in three adolescents show signs of compulsive smartphone use, doubling the risk of suicidal behavior, underscoring the growing concern of mobile addiction among teens.

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Local officials and mental health advocates are urging parents to monitor screen time and foster open communication to address such issues. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for awareness campaigns on digital addiction and mental health support for youth in Maharashtra.

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