Lonavala Police Issue Urgent Appeal To Tourists After Five Persons Swept Away In Monsoon Mishap
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Lonavala/Pune, 30th June 2024: A leisurely outing amidst the monsoon turned tragic for a Pune-based family today as five members were swept away in the waters near Bhushi Dam, prompting a frantic search and recovery effort by local authorities.
Police Inspector Suhas Jagtap of Lonavala City Police Station, Pune rural police, reported that around 3:00 PM, Liaqat Ansari, Yunus Khan, and their extended family ventured to the waterfall behind Bhushi Dam for a rainy day excursion. While five individuals managed to escape the strong currents, five others were tragically carried away by the water. As of now, the bodies of three victims have been recovered: Sahista Liaqat Ansari (37), Amima Salman alias Adil Ansari (13), and Umera Salman alias Adil Ansari (8), all residents of Syednagar, Hadapsar, Pune.
Those still missing are Adnan Sabhahat Ansari (4) and Maria Akil Syed (9).
Inspector Jagtap said that a search operation is going on with the help of Shivdurg Mitra Mandal and INS Shivaji of the Indian Navy. “The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Railway and Forest Departments. Collaborative efforts with these departments, along with the Municipal Council, are underway to address the incident and enhance safety measures”, he added.
Police have appealed to the tourists visiting Lonavala and Khandala during the monsoon season to exercise caution and avoid venturing into unfamiliar or risky areas. Popular spots like Bhushi Dam, Ghubad Lake, Tata Dam, Tungali Dam, Rajmachi Fort near Khandala, Kunegaon, and Kurwande are especially cautioned for safety hazards during heavy rains, Inspector Jagtap said.
He issued a plea for tourists to prioritize safety and adhere to local guidelines, ensuring a secure and enjoyable monsoon vacation without compromising personal safety or that of their loved ones.
