Body of Missing Pune Youth Found Near Khambatki Tunnel; Police Suspect Road Accident

Pune, 23rd September 2023: The body of an 18-year-old youth from Bavdhan, Pune, was discovered in a drain near the Khambatki Tunnel on the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway in Satara district. The deceased has been identified as Dhruv Swapneel Sonawane.

Incident Details

According to Khandala police, Sonawane, along with his bike (MH12 VU 0878), fell into the drain at the first turn after exiting the Khambatki Tunnel. The incident went unnoticed due to overgrown bushes and grass in the area. Sonawane’s dismembered body was discovered when road maintenance workers were clearing the vegetation.

Police Investigation

Police Inspector Vandana Sreesundar of Khandala Police Station, Assistant Police Inspector Ramesh Garje of Bhuij, and Assistant Police Inspector Vishal Vaikar of Khandala were among the officials who visited the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that the cause of death was a road accident.

Timeline of Events

Sonawane was alone at his Bavdhan residence as his parents and grandmother had gone to their native village, Amalner in Jalgaon district. He was last seen leaving his house at 12:48 a.m. on Sunday, 17th September, as captured by CCTV footage. A missing person complaint was filed with the Hinjawadi police station (Pimpri Chinchwad police) later that day.

Throughout Sunday, Sonawane’s location was traced to various places including Pargaon Khandala and Bholi in Taluka Khandala, Satara district. However, his location became untraceable by Sunday evening. His father and relatives had been searching the area for the past five days.

Ongoing Investigation

The case has been registered with Khandala Police, and further investigations are underway.