Pune: Two Tourists Drown in Kalu River Near Malshej Ghat After Sudden Rise in Water Level
Junnar, 27th July 2026: Two young tourists drowned after being swept away by the strong current of the Kalu River near the popular Kalu Waterfall in the Malshej Ghat region on the Junnar–Murbad border on Saturday, highlighting the risks associated with monsoon tourism.
The deceased have been identified as Pawan Shyam Sathe (18), from Malkapur in Buldhana district, and Raman Vijay Annapure (20), from Nanded. Sathe had visited the waterfall with his family, while Annapure, an engineering student in Pune, had gone there with his friends.
According to police, the first incident occurred around 1 pm, while the second took place at approximately 3.30 pm. The two youths reportedly attempted to cross the river by holding each other’s hands, believing the water level to be low. However, heavy rainfall in the upstream hilly region caused the river to swell suddenly, and both were swept away by the strong current within moments.
Local residents said the Kalu River is known for its unpredictable flow during the monsoon. Even when the water appears shallow, rainfall in the upper catchment can cause water levels to rise rapidly. Deep pits, submerged boulders and an uneven riverbed further increase the risk for visitors unfamiliar with the terrain.
After receiving information about the incident, a team led by Assistant Police Inspector Sheetalkumar Naik of Tokawade Police Station rushed to the spot. With the help of local villagers and rescue personnel, a search operation was launched, and the bodies of both youths were recovered. A case has been registered at Tokawade Police Station, and further investigation is underway.
Following the tragedy, the Junnar and Murbad administrations have appealed to tourists to avoid entering rivers, streams and waterfalls during the monsoon and to exercise extreme caution while visiting such locations.
Locals have also demanded stronger safety measures at Kalu Waterfall, including stricter enforcement of restrictions, prominent warning signboards and better monitoring to prevent similar accidents.
