Pune: Kothrud Youth Viraj Phad Found Dead in Tamhini Ghat’s Devkund Gorge
Pune: Kothrud Youth Viraj Phad Found Dead in Tamhini Ghat’s Devkund Gorge
Pune: The body of 18-year-old Viraj Ishwar Phad, a resident of Kothrud, Pune, who was reported missing earlier this week, was recovered from the Devkund View Point gorge in Tamhini Ghat on Saturday evening. The recovery operation concluded around 8 PM and involved multiple rescue teams using advanced equipment.
Discovery of Belongings
Viraj had been missing since Monday, November 25. On Thursday, November 28, tourists visiting the Devkund View Point discovered a bag containing clothes and a mobile phone near the edge of a high cliff. The bag was handed over to the staff of the nearby Plus Valley Hotel, who informed the Mulshi Police.
Mulshi Police Officer Mahesh Pawar activated the recovered mobile phone and confirmed it belonged to Viraj after receiving calls from worried family members and friends.
Following the discovery of the belongings, a coordinated search effort was launched:
- Mulshi Police: Conducted a search around the Devkund View Point area.
- Shelar Mama Rescue Team: Deployed advanced equipment to explore the gorge below.
- RESQ Charitable Trust: Operated a drone to locate additional evidence, which led to the discovery of a slipper belonging to Viraj.
Additional support was sought from the Sahyadri Wildlife Conservation Society and Deepak Nitrate Limited for assistance in descending into the gorge.
Body Recovery– Rescue personnel, equipped with ropes and safety gear, descended into the steep gorge. Viraj’s body was located beneath a tree, deep inside the ravine. Using stretchers and other rescue tools, the team safely retrieved the body despite the challenging terrain.
The body was later handed over to the Pune Police for further investigation.
The successful conclusion of the operation was a result of seamless coordination among the Mulshi Police, the Shelar Mama Rescue Team, the RESQ Charitable Trust, and other supporting organizations. The difficult terrain and harsh conditions posed significant challenges, but the joint efforts ensured the recovery of the body.
Caution for Tourists
The incident highlights the dangers associated with exploring rugged terrains like Tamhini Ghat. Authorities urge visitors to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines while visiting such locations.
