Seminarian Dies After Falling into Gorge in Pune

Pune, August 4, 2025 – A 29-year-old seminarian from Kerala lost his life on Saturday afternoon after slipping and falling into a deep gorge near Bhaje village, while trekking towards the popular Visapur Fort near Lonavla, approximately 60km from Pune.

The deceased has been identified as Abraham Shinse, a native of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, who was residing in Vimannagar and pursuing priesthood studies in Pune, according to police officials.

Shinse had been trekking with ten friends along a trail near the Bhaje Caves when the incident occurred. “While trekking toward the fort, he lost his footing and fell into a gorge. He sustained a serious head injury and died on the spot,” an officer from the Lonavla police stated.

The Shivdurga Rescue Team from Lonavla retrieved Shinse’s body from the gorge. “It had been raining since morning, and the group was taking the Bhaje Caves route to Visapur Fort. This is one of the most difficult trails and becomes extremely slippery during rain,” the officer added.

Despite certain tourist locations in Lonavla and nearby areas being closed by Rural police due to safety concerns, many visitors continue to access them through alternate routes. “It is difficult to restrict tourists because there are multiple entry points. People must prioritise their safety. Venturing into such treacherous terrain during the monsoon is asking for trouble. We urge the public to avoid locations that could endanger their lives,” the officer said.

The Lonavla Rural Police have registered a case and are carrying out further investigations.

Courtesy: Times of India