Pune techie feared drowned in Dudhsagar waters

PONDA: A 25-year-old information technology (IT) engineer from Pune is feared drowned at the Dudhsagar waterfall while returning from a monsoon trek on Sunday.

The missing woman is identified as Suhagata Basu, a native of West Bengal.

According to Collem police, the incident occurred when 13 members of a group from Pune proceeded on a trek at the Dudhsagar waterfall on Sunday morning. The group reached the Sonavali railway station around 5.45 am and started their trek from the unusual point between the Sonavali and Collem areas.

The incident occurred later in the morning between 8 and 10 am, when the group was returning back after trekking on the steep rocky terrain. While crossing the river, Suhagata suddenly slipped and got swept away by the water. Other members of the group tried to rescue her but failed in their attempt, said Collem police inspector Nilesh Daigodkar.

“When the group started the trek, the water flow was slow and they could easily reach the other side. However, while returning, the flow increased due to rain and that could have resulted in the incident,” said another police officer from Collem while speaking to this daily.

Police, along with fire personnel, tried to trace the woman in the river. However, there was no sign of her till late evening, said police and added that the team will again launch the search and rescue operation on Monday morning.

Forest department officials said that the 13-member group had hired a Pune-based guide for their trek and that they had entered the waterfall area from an illegal point. The department official said that trekking from the illegal point was risky, as there are a few trekkers in that area.

“Usually trekkers enter the Dudhsagar waterfall area from the Collem side and local assistance is provided by the department. If the trekkers’ group had used the services of a local guide or person with proper knowledge of the waterfall, the incident could have been averted,” he said.

All 13 members of the group are reportedly working in IT firms based in Pune, said police. Further investigation is under progress.