A birthday celebration turned into a tragedy in Pune district on Thursday when a 26-year-old man fell nearly 400 feet to his death while posing for photographs at Lohagad Fort. Police identified the deceased as Ketan Vishal Agarwal, a director in his family's real estate firm and a resident of Gahunje.
Incident Details
Agarwal had visited the historic hill fort with his fiance and two close friends to celebrate her upcoming birthday. The group climbed the fort on Thursday morning, and around 10:30 am, Agarwal ventured near a cliff to click photographs against the misty landscape. He allegedly lost his balance amid strong winds and fell into a deep valley.
Inspector Dinesh Tayde of Lonavala Rural police station confirmed that strong winds were blowing in the area at the time of the incident. He added that Agarwal's wedding was planned for November, and the families had booked a palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan, for the ceremony.
Rescue Operation
Upon receiving information, police along with members of the Shivdurg Mitra Emergency Rescue Team launched a rescue operation. It took nearly three hours to retrieve the body from the steep valley and dense vegetation. The body was sent for post-mortem, and an accidental death report has been registered. Further inquiry is underway.
About Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort is associated with Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is one of the 12 forts in Maharashtra listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular trekking destination, especially during the monsoon season when misty landscapes attract many visitors.
Police urge visitors to exercise caution while visiting such forts, especially during adverse weather conditions. The incident highlights the risks associated with unsafe photography spots near cliffs.
