Tragic Bhushi Dam Incident Shocks Lonavala: Minister’s Controversial Statement Sparks Outrage

A tragic incident unfolded near the picturesque Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, Pune district, leaving the nation in mourning. A family outing turned fatal as ten members of a group, including children, were swept away by the sudden surge of water at the dam.

The group, comprising of Liyakat Ansari, Yunus Khan, and their family of 17-18 individuals, had ventured to the serene Bhushi Dam area behind the Hadapsar police station to enjoy the monsoon rains. Unfortunately, a torrent of water caught them off guard, leading to the tragic loss of lives.

The victims, including Ansari and Khan, who fell into the turbulent waters, saw a heroic rescue attempt unfold. While five managed to escape the fierce flow, the remaining five were lost. The search for Rajesh Patil, one of the missing persons, continues.

In response to the incident, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil‘s controversial statement created a stir. Patil remarked that these individuals ventured into the water with joy, leading to such unfortunate occurrences. The insensitive comment sparked outrage among the public and drew condemnation.

This heartbreaking event has prompted reflection on safety measures at tourist spots like the Bhushi Dam, urging visitors to prioritize their and their family’s safety. The incident serves as a grim reminder to exercise caution and awareness while enjoying nature’s beauty, especially during the monsoon season.

Support from the city police and administration is being sought, appealing to tourists to cooperate with authorities to prevent such tragedies from occurring in popular spots like Bhushi Dam, Ghubad Lake, Tata Dam, Tungarli Dam, Rajmachi Point, Khandala, Kunegaon, and Kurwande.