Pune: INS Shivaji Employee Dies After Falling Into 250-Foot Gorge at Lonavala’s Lion’s Point

Lonavala, 28th May 2026: A tragic incident was reported at the popular tourist destination Lion’s Point in Lonavala, where an employee of the Indian Navy’s training establishment INS Shivaji died after falling into a 250-foot-deep gorge.

The deceased has been identified as Rakesh Kumar Mishra (50).

According to Inspector Dinesh Tayade of the Lonavla Rural Police, Mishra, a resident of Mangolpuri in New Delhi, had visited Lion’s Point on Thursday afternoon along with a colleague. Mishra’s son and one of his friends were scheduled to visit Lonavla on May 30, and he intended to bring them to the popular tourist spot. Police said Mishra had gone there in advance to familiarise himself with the location before their arrival.

At around 1 pm, while speaking to a relative over a video call, Mishra reportedly lost his balance and plunged into the valley, Tayade said.

Following information about the incident, local authorities and rescue teams immediately launched a search and recovery operation. Due to the deep gorge and difficult terrain, the operation faced several challenges.

Teams from INS Shivaji, Shivdurg Rescue Team, Lonavala, and the Maval Disaster Management Team jointly carried out the rescue operation. Using ropes and stretchers, rescuers descended nearly 250 feet into the gorge and successfully retrieved Mishra’s body.

After receiving information about the incident, officials from the Lonavala Rural Police also reached the spot.

Officials from INS Shivaji were also present at the scene during the rescue operation.