A 28-year-old trekker was allegedly pushed into a deep gorge in the Bhimashankar region of Pune by his fiancée and her male friend, who later attempted to pass off the incident as a tragic accident. The crime came to light after police launched a detailed investigation, uncovering inconsistencies in the duo's statements.
Victim and Accused Identified
The victim has been identified as Rohan Deshmukh, a software engineer from Pune. His fiancée, Priya Sharma (26), and her friend, Amit Joshi (30), have been arrested for murder. According to police, the trio had gone on a trek to the Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary on June 20, 2026. During the trek, Sharma and Joshi allegedly pushed Deshmukh into a 300-foot-deep gorge near the Ganesh Ghat section of the trail.
Initial Claim of Accident
After the incident, Sharma called the police and claimed that Deshmukh had slipped and fallen accidentally. She stated that she and Joshi had tried to rescue him but failed. However, forensic evidence and witness statements contradicted their version. A passerby reported hearing a heated argument between the three before the fall, and mobile phone data showed that Joshi had searched for 'how to stage an accident' days before the trek.
Confession and Motive
During interrogation, Joshi confessed to the crime, revealing that he and Sharma were in a relationship and had planned Deshmukh's murder. Sharma had been engaged to Deshmukh for six months but wanted to end the relationship without facing social stigma. According to police, Sharma and Joshi hatched the plan to kill Deshmukh during a trek and make it look like an accident. Senior Inspector Sunil Kadam of Pune Rural Police stated, 'The accused have admitted to pushing the victim into the gorge. They believed it would be ruled an accident due to the treacherous terrain.'
Legal Proceedings
Both accused have been charged under sections 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. They are currently in police custody and will be produced before a local court on June 25, 2026. Police have also recovered Deshmukh's backpack, which contained a letter written by him expressing suspicions about Sharma's fidelity. 'This letter was a key piece of evidence,' Kadam added.
Impact on Community
The case has shocked the local trekking community, which often uses the Bhimashankar trails. Many trekkers have called for increased safety measures and awareness about such crimes. The incident also highlights the misuse of remote locations for criminal activities. Police have urged trekkers to travel in groups and report any suspicious behavior.
