Former National-Level Wrestler and Two Children Die in Apparent Suicide at Fort

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Former national-level wrestler Ashwini Pol (30) and two of her three children died after they jumped from Naldurg fort in Dharashiv district on Thursday. Ashwini’s other daughter, who was seriously injured after the fall, was admitted to a hospital. A case of abetment to suicide and dowry harassment was registered against her husband and in-laws following a complaint by Ashwini’s father, Tanaji Shivaji Mohite (54), a teacher from Whantal in Umarga, police said on Friday.

Ravindra Gaikwad, investigating officer in the case, said, “Ashwini’s husband, father- and mother-in-law, and aunt, all residents of Ambulga in Latur district’s Nilanga taluka, allegedly used to harass her by saying that her parents had not given anything in dowry. Ashwini was also subjected to mental torture after she gave birth to twins.” One of the twins died in the tragedy. Police said her husband and in-laws would pressure her to get her parents to give gold bangles and money to buy an auto. “Fed up with the harassment, she jumped off Naldurg fort along with her three children,” an officer said. Ashwini was a wrestler from Marathwada and had won five gold and six silver medals in state- and national-level competitions, police said. “She was a promising wrestler and had won medals,” former wrestler, coach and international referee Dinesh Gund said. No one was arrested at the time of going to press.