Indore, Madhya Pradesh: A tragic incident has rocked the residents of Shiv Vatika Smriti Enclave in Indore, where a woman software engineer was run over and killed during a dispute related to the unauthorized use of a penthouse as an Airbnb rental.
Shampa Pandey, a mother of two, was protesting against the use of the seventh-floor penthouse in the residential complex for short-term rentals, citing safety concerns. The residents had long been opposing the property’s commercial use, fearing security issues due to frequent strangers entering late at night.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night after tensions escalated. According to residents, the penthouse owner, Kuldeep Chaudhary, had rented out the property again despite prior protests. In response, the residents cut off the power supply to the penthouse. Chaudhary retaliated by shutting off power to other homes, leading to a heated verbal altercation.
During the confrontation, Chaudhary reportedly called his son, Monish, saying, “Come, we need to settle this today.” CCTV footage shows Monish driving his Swift car into the society gate, then ramming into a security guard’s wife, who fell to the ground. As bystanders helped her, Monish drove into the crowd and ran over Shampa Pandey.
Pandey was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries. She leaves behind two young children, who are unaware of her death, residents said.
Police have arrested Kuldeep Chaudhary and his son, Monish, in connection with the incident. Town Inspector Taresh Soni confirmed that both are being questioned as investigations continue.
Neighbours allege that Chaudhary owns three to four penthouses in the building and have demanded that all of them be delisted from online marketplaces to prevent further misuse.
NDTV’s visit to the scene revealed empty beer bottles on the terrace of the now-abandoned penthouse, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the case.