Tragic Accident at Vishalgad Fort Claims Life of Sangli Tourist
A devastating incident unfolded at the historic Vishalgad fort in Kolhapur on Friday evening, resulting in the death of a tourist from Sangli. The victim, identified as Dilip Mali, aged 40 and a resident of Sanjog Colony in Sangli, lost his life after slipping and falling into a deep ravine.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Fatal Fall
According to police reports, Dilip Mali had arrived alone at Vishalgad on Friday morning with the intention of visiting the dargah located within the fort premises. He spent the day touring the fort and exploring its surroundings. As evening approached, around 5:30 PM, Mali decided to take a break near the base of Vishalgad while waiting for transportation to return to Sangli.
In what appears to be a moment of tragic misstep, Mali had removed his jacket and slippers and was sitting near the edge of the cliff when his foot slipped. This caused him to lose balance and plummet into the deep valley below.
Rescue Efforts and Medical Response
Upon receiving information about the accident, local residents immediately sprang into action to assist. A team of brave individuals including Naushad Mhaldar, Ahmed Mujawar, Jamil Zari, Rajendra Gaikwad, and Saddam Mujawar descended into the treacherous valley to initiate search operations.
After an intensive search, they discovered Mali injured and trapped in a tree within the valley. The rescuers carefully extracted him from his precarious position and rushed him to the rural hospital in Malkapur. Unfortunately, despite their timely efforts, doctors at the hospital declared him brought dead upon arrival.
Police Investigation and Safety Advisory
The Shahuwadi police station has registered a case regarding this unfortunate incident. Inspector Vijay Gherde of the Shahuwadi police station provided details about the ongoing investigation, stating that authorities are examining whether the deceased had consumed alcohol prior to the accident.
Inspector Gherde issued a crucial safety advisory for all visitors to Vishalgad fort: "Tourists and devotees visiting the fort are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution while walking along the valley areas. We urge everyone to avoid going near the edge of cliffs or venturing into dangerous locations that pose significant risks."
Important Safety Considerations for Fort Visitors
This tragic incident highlights several important safety aspects for tourists visiting historical forts and mountainous regions:
- Always maintain a safe distance from cliff edges and steep drops
- Avoid sitting or standing in precarious positions near ravines
- Wear appropriate footwear with good grip when exploring uneven terrain
- Consider visiting in groups rather than alone for added safety
- Stay alert and mindful of surroundings, especially in unfamiliar locations
The Vishalgad fort, known for its historical significance and panoramic views, now serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety precautions during tourist excursions. The local community and authorities continue to emphasize vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
