Pune: Former Lonavala Councillor’s 33-Year-Old Son Dies After Licensed Rifle Accidentally Fires During Cleaning

Lonavala, 6th October 2026: The 33-year-old son of former Lonavala Municipal Council corporator Manik Marathe died after a licensed rifle accidentally went off while he was cleaning it at a hotel premises in Bhushi village on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Abhay Manik Marathe, 33. The incident occurred at the premises of Hotel Motiram in Bhushi village, where Abhay was reportedly cleaning a licensed rifle belonging to his father.

According to preliminary information, the rifle went off unexpectedly while Abhay was cleaning it, and the bullet struck him in the chest. He suffered serious injuries and collapsed at the spot.

Family members and local residents rushed him to Sanjeevani Hospital in Lonavala for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead after he was brought to the hospital.

The incident has left the Marathe family and residents of Bhushi and Lonavala shocked.

Lonavala City police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and conducted a panchnama. An accidental death report has been registered at the Lonavala City police station.

Police are investigating how the live round was loaded in the licensed rifle and the circumstances in which it was fired while the weapon was being cleaned. They are also examining whether all necessary safety precautions were followed during the cleaning of the firearm.

Further investigation is underway.