Pune: A 28-year-old Seminarian died after slipping and falling into a gorge near Bhaje village on the way to the popular Visapur fort near Lonavla, about 60km from Pune, around noon on Saturday.The deceased was identified as Abraham Shinse (29), originally from Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, and currently residing in Vimannagar. Shinse was pursuing studies to become a priest in the city, police said.Police said he visited the fort with 10 friends and while trekking toward the fort via a path near the Bhaje Caves, Shinse reportedly lost his footing and fell into a deep gorge. The fall caused a severe head injury, resulting in his death on the spot, an officer from the Lonavla police said.The Shivdurga Rescue Team from Lonavla successfully located and retrieved Shinse’s body from the gorge. The officer said, “It was raining since morning and this group was going to Visapur Fort via the Bhaje Caves route. It is one of the toughest trails, which turned slippery due to rain.”Although the Rural police have closed some of the tourist spots in Lonavla and other places across the district, tourists have been finding their ways to reach these places. “It is difficult to restrict them because there are multiple entry points. Visitors need to pay heed to their safety over enjoyment. How can they venture into such treacherous treks in the rainfall? It is asking for trouble. We urge people not to go to places that can pose a risk to their lives,” added the officer.The Lonavala Rural Police have registered the case and are conducting further investigation.
