Pune: Man Dies After Falling into Gorge During Lohagad Fort Trek
A 26-year-old man from Pune died after falling into a deep gorge while trekking at Lohagad Fort in Maval tehsil, police said on Friday. The deceased was identified as Ketan Vishal Agarwal (26), a resident of Gahunje. He belonged to a family engaged in real estate development and served as the director in his family-run firm. Ketan was due to get married in November this year.
According to Lonavala Rural Police, Agarwal had visited the historic hill fort for his fiancée’s pre-birthday celebrations on Thursday morning. The two had begun trekking around the fort when Agarwal lost his balance near a cliff edge at around 10:30 am and plunged nearly 400 feet into a gorge.
Police Inspector Dinesh Tayde of Lonavala Rural Police Station said that Agarwal suffered severe injuries in the fall and died on the spot. “Ketan Agarwal was to get married to his fiancée in November this year. For the wedding, the two families had booked a palace in Udaypur in Rajasthan. On Thursday, Ketan and his fiancée went on a trek with two more friends joining them. At the top, he fell off amid strong wind flow while taking a photograph,” said Tayde.
After receiving information about the incident, police personnel launched a rescue operation. Due to the difficult terrain and dense vegetation in the valley, rescuers worked for nearly three hours to retrieve the body and bring it down to the base of the fort. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination. Police have registered an accidental death report and are conducting further inquiries.
Lohagad Fort, a historic hill fort located near Lonavala, is a popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts. The fort offers stunning views and a rich historical background, attracting many visitors. However, the terrain can be challenging and dangerous, especially near the cliff edges. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and caution while engaging in outdoor activities.
Ketan Agarwal's family and friends are in deep shock over his sudden and untimely death. The community has come together to support the family during this difficult time. The local authorities have also emphasized the need for increased safety measures and awareness among trekkers to prevent such incidents in the future.
