Pune: 35-Year-Old Trekker Dies at Rajgad Fort Due to Suspected Cardiac Arrest; Pet Dog Stays By His Side
Pune, 12th October 2026: A 35-year-old man died after collapsing while trekking to the historic Rajgad Fort in Pune district on Saturday afternoon, with a suspected cardiac arrest believed to be the cause of death. His pet dog, Julie, stayed beside him even as rescuers brought his body down from the fort, moving those present.
The deceased, identified as Jignesh Sadashiv Khandalkar, was originally from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and lived in Bhekrai Nagar, Hadapsar. He had visited the fort with two friends and was trekking along the Pal Budruk route when he suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed near Padmavati Machi.
According to police, Khandalkar had complained of fatigue and was resting while his two friends continued towards the fort’s inner citadel. He later became unwell, prompting fellow trekkers and other visitors to rush to his aid. Those present attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but he could not be revived.
Personnel from the Archaeological Survey of India, local residents and employees of the electricity distribution department joined the rescue effort. Khandalkar was brought down from the fort on a stretcher and taken to Velhe rural hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body was later sent to Sassoon General Hospital for a postmortem examination.
During the rescue operation, Julie remained close to her owner and followed alongside as his body was carried down, drawing the attention of those at the site.
Velhe police have registered an accidental death case and are investigating the incident. Police said the postmortem examination would help establish the cause of death.
