Pune: In a bid to curb dangerous tourist activities, the Lonavala police have filed charges against 26 tourists for unruly behavior around the waterfall near Sahara Bridge.

This action comes after a recent tragic incident where five members of a single family were swept away in the waterfall near Bhushi Dam.

Monsoon tourism attracts visitors from Pune, Mumbai, and other parts of the state to Lonavala. However, many tourists engage in reckless behavior, putting their lives at risk, and take photos near the waterfalls.

Due to incidents of tourists being swept away in the waterfall’s flow, District Collector Suhas Divase has ordered the police to take action against tourists who endanger their lives with reckless behavior. Prohibitory orders have been enforced in tourist spots around Lonavala, Khandala, and the district.

Violating these orders, 26 tourists from four different groups were booked by the Lonavala police on Sunday for causing a ruckus near the waterfall in front of Sahara Bridge. The charges were filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 for violating prohibitory orders on Sunday (July 28) evening.

The tourists booked are from Mumbai, Maval, Mulshi, Shikrapur, Shirur, Chakan, Khed, and Pune city areas. Police constables Hanumant Shinde and Rais Mulani filed separate complaints, and Inspector Suhas Jagtap is investigating the case.

On July 21, around 2 PM, five tourists breached security to visit a waterfall in the Ambegaon mountain range, leading to charges against them. Similarly, two tourists were penalized for approaching the waterfall near Bhaje Caves.