Pune: New Thar… inexperienced driver… and Tamhini’s deadly curve; one tragic fall ends six young lives
Pune : They worked hard, rose above poverty, dreamt big and a group of six young friends set out happily for a trip to Konkan. But Tamhini Ghat’s dangerous terrain turned their joy into unbearable tragedy. The boys, aged between 17 and 24, left home full of excitement… but what returned was the heartbreaking news of their deaths. The entire Shivane locality sank into grief.
Tamhini Ghat is known for its steep valleys, dense forests and sharp curves. A moment’s loss of control can send vehicles plunging into deep gorges. Police suspect that on Monday midnight, after crossing KondeThar village, the Thar lost control at the first dangerous bend and fell into a deep valley.
One of the victims, Sahil Gote (24), had bought the new Thar barely a month ago. Without proper driving experience, handling the heavy vehicle on a treacherous ghat road turned fatal. A new car, an inexperienced hand and Tamhini’s deadly curveseverything changed in one moment.
The six youngsters left Pune around 11:30 pm. When none of them contacted their families the next morning, panic spread. Police began a massive search with CCTV tracking and mobile location tracing. Pune Police, Raigad disaster teams and rescue units searched for two days with no result. Finally on Thursday, a drone search revealed the Thar deep inside a valley, confirming the tragic fate of all six.
Sahil Sadhu Gote (Age 24; Occupation – Momos stall owner; Education – 12th pass; Resident – Kopre Village, Pune)
Omkar Sunil Koli (Age 18; Occupation – None; Education – 12th pass; Resident – Kopre Village, Pune)
Shiva Arun Mane (Age 19; Occupation – Labourer at a momos stall; Resident – Kopre Village, Pune)
Shri Mahadev Koli (Age 18; Occupation – Labourer at a momos stall; Resident – Bhairavnathnagar)
Pratham Shahaji Chavan (Age 22; Occupation – Ward boy at Bharati Vidyapeeth Hospital; Resident – Bhairavnathnagar, Pune)
Punit Sudhakar Shetty (Age 20; Occupation – Labourer at a momos stall; Resident – Kopre Village)
