Two Tourists Drown in Separate Incidents at Kasarsai Dam and Dhurnali Waterfall in Maharashtra

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Two separate drowning incidents claimed the lives of young tourists at popular monsoon destinations in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Sunday, raising fresh concerns over visitor safety during the rainy season. The victims, both in their late teens and early twenties, drowned at Kasarsai Dam in Mulshi taluka and a lake near Dhurnali waterfall in Junnar.

In the first incident, 19-year-old Santosh Shahaji Raut, a student from Beed district, drowned while swimming with friends in the backwaters of Kasarsai Dam near Hinjewadi. According to police, five friends entered the dam area around 11 a.m. when two of them began struggling in the water. While local residents managed to save the others, Raut went missing. A search operation was immediately launched by Shivdurga Mitra and Wanyajeen Rakshak rescue teams.

The search, which was suspended due to fading light, resumed early Monday morning. Raut’s body was recovered around 11 a.m. after a 24-hour effort. Police have registered a case of accidental death and reminded the public of the dangers of entering water bodies during the monsoon season.

In the second incident, 21-year-old Zahir Ali Ansari, originally from Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, and residing in Narayangaon, drowned in a lake near Dhurnali waterfall in Junnar around 4 p.m. Police reports indicate Ansari slipped and fell into the lake while trying to relieve himself. Although his friends managed to pull him out and rushed him to a local hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Both incidents have been recorded as accidental deaths by the Shirgaon and Junnar police. Authorities have issued warnings urging tourists to avoid venturing into deep or fast-moving waters, particularly during the monsoon period when water levels and currents become unpredictable.

“These tragic events underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and caution among visitors,” a local official said. “Tourists must follow safety instructions and avoid entering water bodies without proper knowledge or supervision.”

Monsoon tourism continues to be popular in the region, drawing large crowds to natural attractions such as dams, waterfalls, and lakes. However, local administrations are now expected to consider enhanced safety protocols and signage at high-risk locations.