Tragic Drowning Incident in Mulshi: Two Fergusson College Students Lose Lives in Khamboli Barrage

Mulshi, 21st October 2024: In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the student community, two students from Pune’s Fergusson College tragically drowned in the Khamboli barrage located in Mulshi taluka. The mishap occurred between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 20th October, casting a shadow over what should have been a day of leisure for the group of friends.

The Victims

The victims of this unfortunate tragedy have been identified as Raj Sambhaji Patil (22), a resident of Akurdi Railway Station in Pune, originally from Mhalsar, Shindkheda taluka in Dhule district, and Ojas Ananda Katapurkar (22), a resident of Sharayu Nagar, Pradhikaran, Nigdi. Both young men were students at the prestigious Fergusson College and had promising futures ahead of them.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

According to local police reports, the two victims were part of a group of nine students who had traveled to the scenic Khamboli area, known for its natural beauty and the serene barrage. The group had ventured out to enjoy the peaceful environment, but the outing turned tragic when five of the students accidentally slipped and fell into a deep pit while walking along a farm embankment near the barrage.

While their peers immediately rushed to rescue them, three of the students were pulled to safety. However, despite their best efforts, Raj Patil and Ojas Katapurkar could not be saved and tragically drowned.

Rescue Efforts and Recovery

The rescue operation was swift but ultimately tragic. After the incident was reported, the local fire brigade arrived at the scene and launched a search operation. After a painstaking search, the bodies of Patil and Katapurkar were recovered from the water. The victims' remains were then transported to the government hospital in Paud for autopsy to officially confirm the cause of death.