Maharashtra: Man falls into valley in Mahabaleshwar, dies

MAHABALESHWAR: A family outing turned into a tragedy when a 28-year-old man from Bhiwandi in Thane district lost his life after he fell into a valley at Lodwick Point in Mahabaleshwar Thursday evening. Police said the victim, Vinod Shankar Jadhav, lost his balance while he and his family were taking photographs.
Mahabaleshwar police said other tourists alerted them about the mishap.Police rushed to the spot and summoned local trekkers, who descended into the valley and picked up Jadhav.
Jadhav, who had sustained severe injuries, was taken to a local hospital in Mahabaleshwar and later to the Satara Government Hospital. However, he succumbed during treatment.
Police said Jadhav had come to Mahabaleshwar with his relatives. The accident took place when two families were taking photographs near the end of Lodwick Point.
Tourists told police Jadhav lost balance due to dry grass at the spot. The victim’s brother-in-law, Nitin Bhoir, fainted on seeing Jadhav fall into the valley.
Tourists and relatives started shouting for help. Police rushed to the spot and brought him up with the help of local trekkers.
Lodwick Point, situated four km from Mahabaleshwar, is a major tourist attraction as Pratapgad Fort and the scenic Jawali Valley can be seen from there. Elephant Head Point, which is at the extreme end of the point, is considered tough for tourists. Locals have been demanding maintenance of railings, erected on the route, besides boards to caution tourists.