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Indore, March 28, 2026
A shocking incident in a posh residential society in Indore has left the city’s IT community stunned.
A 38-year-old woman software engineer was allegedly run over and killed by a speeding car driven by an 18-year-old during a heated dispute over the commercial use of a penthouse for short-term rentals (Airbnb-style). The accused and his father have been arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder.
The victim has been identified as Shampa Pathak Pandey (also referred to as Shampa Pathak in some reports), who worked with a leading multinational IT company (reported as Infosys in multiple sources). She had recently shifted to Shiv Vatika Township’s Sagarshree Enclave in the Lasudia area with her family about 15 days prior to the incident.
What Happened
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the tragedy unfolded late on Wednesday night (March 26, 2026) inside the gated residential complex. A dispute erupted between residents and the owners of a penthouse over allegedly renting it out for commercial/short-term stays, which many residents opposed as it violated society norms.
Tensions escalated into a confrontation in the parking area. CCTV footage, which has gone viral on social media, reportedly shows the 18-year-old son of the penthouse owner (identified as Mohit Choudhary) driving a car recklessly into a group of protesting residents.
The vehicle allegedly hit multiple people, fatally crushing Shampa Pandey and injuring another woman, Raanu Rawat (wife of a society security guard), who was out for a walk.Shampa was rushed to Bombay Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday. Police have registered a case under relevant sections including murder (IPC 302) and attempted murder.The accused — Mohit Choudhary (18) and his father Kuldeep Choudhary — were arrested on Thursday. Investigations are ongoing, with CCTV footage and witness statements being examined.
Growing Anger in Indore’s IT Circles
The incident has sparked outrage among tech professionals in Indore, a growing IT hub. Many are questioning safety inside gated societies and the unchecked commercialization of residential properties.
- Residents claim repeated complaints about the penthouse rentals were ignored.
- The speed and intent shown in the viral video have led to demands for strict action and better society governance.
- Women professionals have highlighted rising concerns about safety in residential complexes after long work hours.
This is the latest in a string of disturbing incidents involving road rage and disputes turning violent in urban India. It raises broader questions about:
- Regulation of short-term rentals in residential societies
- Security and dispute resolution mechanisms in gated communities
- Youth involvement in road rage incidents
Police and Administration Response
Indore police have assured a thorough probe. Assistant Commissioner of Police Parag Saini confirmed that both father and son are in custody. The society management is also likely to face scrutiny for allowing the dispute to escalate inside the premises.
A Wake-Up Call for Urban Living
Shampa Pandey’s tragic death is not just a personal loss for her family but a stark reminder of how minor disputes over property use can turn deadly in densely populated cities. As Indore continues to attract IT talent and investment, ensuring resident safety and harmonious community living must become a priority.
The family of the deceased is yet to issue a public statement, but the incident has already triggered calls for stricter bylaws on rentals and better CCTV monitoring with quick response protocols in societies.What do you think? Should residential societies have stricter rules on short-term rentals? Share your views in the comments.
This article is based on reports from The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Times of India, and other verified sources as of March 28, 2026.
The case is under active investigation; further details may emerge.
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