Pune: Woman Dies After Slipping from Rajgad Fort During Visit with Husband; Locals Demand Safety Measures
Pune – In a heartbreaking incident at the historic Rajgad Fort, a 23-year-old woman lost her life after slipping from the Balekilla area and falling into a deep gorge. The deceased, identified as Komal Satish Shinde, a resident of Alandi (Tal. Khed), had gone to the fort with her husband on Thursday for sightseeing.
The accident occurred around 5:30 PM while the couple was capturing photos in the Balekilla area — the highest point of Rajgad Fort. Komal reportedly lost her footing and fell into a 400-foot-deep valley. She was found near the trail leading towards Sanjivani and Suvela Machi.
On receiving information, local resident Yogesh Raghunath Daradighe informed the police. A team from Velhe Police Station along with the Haveli Disaster Management Rescue Team quickly reached the spot. Despite efforts, Komal was declared dead upon arrival at Velhe Rural Hospital. Her body was later handed over to the family after postmortem formalities.
The rescue operation was led by officials and personnel including Tanaji Bhosale, Ganesh Sapkal, Sanjay Chorge, Sandeep Solaskar, Nilesh Jadhav, Sunny Mane, Yogesh Daradighe, Vishwas Shirke, and police staff Yuvraj Somvanshi.
Following the tragedy, locals expressed deep sorrow and raised serious concerns over the lack of safety measures at Rajgad Fort, particularly near the Balekilla area. They highlighted that despite the fort being a popular tourist and trekking destination, especially during monsoons, it lacks basic protective infrastructure. Repeated accidents in recent times have amplified calls for urgent intervention.
Assistant Police Inspector Nitin Khamgal of Velhe police station confirmed that a case of accidental death has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Locals are now urging authorities to immediately enhance safety infrastructure at Rajgad Fort to prevent further loss of life at the heritage site.
