Pune: In a somber conclusion to a three-day search, the body of retired army personnel and pugilist Swapnil Dhawade was discovered on Monday (July 1) afternoon in the Plus Valley region of Tamhini Ghat, Mulshi Taluka.
Dhawade, 38, known for his achievements in national boxing, was found deceased after being swept away by the strong currents of the valley’s pools.
Swapnil, a resident of Bhosari in Pimpri-Chinchwad and husband to national shooter Rashmi Dhawade from Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Department, had visited Plus Valley on Saturday with 32 friends from his gym.
While swimming in one of the valley's pools, he was caught by the forceful water and pulled into a lower pool, approximately 50 feet down. Despite the challenging conditions, including heavy rain and slippery terrain, search teams comprising the Paud Police, Mangaon Disaster Management, Shelar Mama Rescue Team, Tamhini Forest Department, Mulshi Disaster Management Committee, and Shivdurga Team Lonavala tirelessly scoured the area. Dhawade’s body was then found near the Devkund waterfall in Raigad district.
The local administration has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Dhawade, a distinguished sportsman, and urged tourists to exercise caution during the monsoon season to avoid such tragedies in the future.
On Sunday (June 30), another family from Hadapsar which had been to Bhushi dam backwaters for outing, intended for leisure ended in tragedy, as five of its members drowned during a visit to Lonavala.
Salman Ansari, a Maulana at a local mosque, had gathered with relatives for a wedding ceremony on Thursday, June 27. With Sunday being a holiday, the family decided to take a day trip to Lonavala. They arrived in the morning and ventured into the water to enjoy the day.
Initially, the water levels were low, but they quickly rose, catching the family off guard. Despite holding onto each other and attempting to seek help, the strong current overpowered them, and they were swept away. Onlookers tried to save them by throwing tree branches, but their efforts were tragically in vain.