Monsoon Tragedy in Raigad: Mumbai Youth Drowns at Channat Waterfall While Filming Reel
Monsoon Tragedy in Raigad: Mumbai Youth Drowns at Channat Waterfall While Filming Reel
A serene monsoon getaway turned into a scene of heartbreak in Raigad district, as a 22-year-old youth lost his life at the Channat waterfall near Kumbhe village in Mangaon taluka. The victim, Rishi Pathipaka—originally from Hyderabad and currently residing in Jogeshwari, Mumbai—drowned while attempting to shoot a social media reel on Sunday, June 30. The tragic moment was captured on camera by one of his friends and has since become a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing police investigation.
According to local officials, Rishi had arrived at the picturesque waterfall location with a group of college friends, hoping to enjoy the monsoon scenery and create content for social media. In the video, which has surfaced during the police inquiry, Rishi is seen jumping into the plunge pool at the base of the waterfall, only to be immediately overpowered by the fierce current. Despite desperate efforts from his friends, he disappeared beneath the turbulent waters within seconds.
22 year old Rishi Pathipaka, originally from Hyderabad and a resident of Jogeshwari in Mumbai, drowned after he attempted to swim at a waterfall in the Channat reserve forest area near Kumbhe village in Mangaon taluka, Raigad district. The drowning was recorded by his friend whom… pic.twitter.com/92F3FyRKOo
— Free Press Journal (@fpjindia) July 2, 2025
Rescue teams were dispatched shortly after the incident was reported. The operation to retrieve Rishi’s body was extremely challenging, owing to the rugged terrain, strong water flow, and remote location. It wasn’t until the next day, July 1, that the body was successfully recovered and taken to the Mangaon Rural Hospital for a post-mortem examination. An accidental death report has been filed by Mangaon police.
The response effort was carried out by a number of local rescue teams who risked their own safety to bring closure to the grieving family. These included volunteers from Kolad’s Sahyadri Wildlife Rescue and Safety Society (SVRSS), the Shelar Mama Rescue Team from Bhira-Patnus, and dedicated wildlife researchers from Mangaon. Several villagers from Channat, along with local police officials, also provided crucial support during the operation.
This devastating incident is part of a growing trend in the region, where monsoon tourism often takes a dangerous turn. As rain breathes new life into the Sahyadri hills and waterfalls, countless tourists are drawn to these natural wonders—many unaware of the hidden hazards beneath their beauty. Fast-flowing water, sudden depth changes, and moss-covered rocks create highly unsafe conditions, especially during the monsoon months.
Rishi’s tragic death echoes a similar case from last year, when 27-year-old Aanvi Kamdar, a chartered accountant turned travel influencer, fell to her death from a 300-foot gorge at Kumbhe waterfalls, also in Mangaon taluka. These back-to-back incidents highlight the urgent need for awareness and responsible behavior, particularly among young people seeking thrilling content for social media platforms.
Local residents and rescuers have voiced growing concerns about the risks associated with such reckless adventurism. Despite prohibitory orders and warnings issued by local authorities during heavy rains, many visitors continue to ignore the danger signs, often underestimating the power of nature in pursuit of viral content.
