Pune: Veena World Under Scrutiny for Tourist’s Death During Leh Journey

Pimpri Chinchwad, 23rd January 2024: A family in Bhosari has been left devastated due to the negligence of the popular travel company ‘Veena World’. A tourist, Shivaji Gangadhar Gangarde (44), who went on a Leh trip, suddenly fell ill during the journey and tragically died due to a lack of timely treatment. A case has been registered against the tour manager of Veena World in Leh police station for causing death, following persistent efforts by his wife, Taramati Gangarde.

Shivaji Gangarde and Taramati Gangarde embarked on a Leh tour in May 2022, booking the trip with Arya Holidays, the agent of Veena World. The tour manager, Dheeraj Chaudhary, allegedly demanded Gangarde continue the journey despite his deteriorating health. Tragically, Shivaji Gangarde succumbed to illness, and a case has been filed against Chaudhary and a doctor, Amit Kumar Jain, for failing to provide timely treatment.

The incident unfolded when Gangarde fell ill in Leh, and Chaudhary allegedly provided him with a diluted cough medicine. Despite Taramati Gangarde’s plea to take her husband to a hospital, Chaudhary insisted on continuing the journey. The situation worsened, and Shivaji Gangarde eventually passed away.

After Gangarde’s death, Chaudhary left for the next journey without offering adequate support to Taramati Gangarde. The local police made a preliminary inquiry, and Chaudhary reportedly departed, leaving a colleague with the grieving widow. The deceased’s body and Taramati Gangarde were later sent to Pune, with little assistance provided.

Facing technical challenges in registering the case locally, the Pimpri-Chinchwad police sought assistance from Leh police. However, the case was not registered, leading to a delay. Taramati Gangarde persisted in her pursuit for justice, frequently meeting with senior officials of the Pimpri-Chinchwad police.

After numerous follow-ups and contacts with Leh Police, a separate case was registered on January 8, 2024. Leh Police initiated an investigation based on the case registered at Bhosari, and Taramati Gangarde’s statement is being recorded over the phone.

Additionally, Taramati Gangarde has filed a claim in court seeking compensation from Veena World for the negligence resulting in death of Shivaji Gangarde.

Senior Police Inspector Shivaji Gaware of Bhosari Police Station expressed the challenges faced in navigating the technical aspects of the case due to Leh becoming a union territory. However, the persistence of the Pimpri-Chinchwad police and senior officers has led to a separate case being filed in Leh and an ongoing investigation into the tragic incident.