Pune: The body of 21-year-old Manasi Prashant Govindpurkar, who had been missing since Tuesday (March 18) from Sangvi, was discovered near the base of Lohgad Fort on Thursday (March 20). The Shivdurg Rescue Team, along with the police, recovered her body from dense vegetation in the Gherewadi area. The incident has raised concerns over safety at the popular trekking destination.
According to reports, Manasi left home on March 19 to attend college but never returned. CCTV footage later revealed that she had boarded a taxi alone to Lohgad Fort. She was last seen entering the fort premises near the ticket counter, after which there was no further trace of her whereabouts.
Upon receiving a missing persons report, Sangvi Police launched a search operation, utilizing technical analysis to trace her last known location. Her mobile phone’s signal was last detected in the Lohgad area, prompting a coordinated search effort by the Shivdurg Rescue Team and her family. On March 21, her body was found near the Navagraha Temple, concealed within thick shrubbery.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Manasi may have fallen from the fort, leading to her death. However, authorities have not ruled out suicide. Police have conducted a site inspection, and her body has been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Manasi’s sudden demise has left her family and friends in deep distress. Investigators are examining her mobile phone records and social interactions to uncover any potential reasons behind the incident. Police have also begun questioning her friends and acquaintances for additional insights.
Lohgad Fort, a well-known trekking and tourist spot, has witnessed multiple incidents in the past. Despite repeated calls for enhanced security measures, safety concerns remain unaddressed.