Pune: The body of an 18-year-old Pune youth, reported missing earlier this week, was recovered from the Devkund View Point gorge in Tamhini Ghat on Saturday (November 30) evening.

The rescue operation, involving multiple teams and advanced equipment, concluded around 8 PM.

The deceased, identified as Viraj Ishwar Phad, a resident of Kothrud, Pune, was reported missing on Monday (25th). On Thursday (28th), tourists visiting the Devkund View Point stumbled upon a bag near the edge of a high cliff.

The bag contained clothes and a mobile phone. They informed the staff at the nearby Plus Valley Hotel, who relayed the information to Mulshi Police.

Police Officer Mahesh Pawar turned on the recovered mobile phone and identified it as belonging to Viraj after receiving calls from concerned individuals.

Following this lead, search operations were initiated. Officer Pawar’s team searched the Devkund area, while the Shelar Mama Rescue Team explored the gorge below, using advanced equipment for assistance.

The Pune-based RESQ Charitable Trust deployed an advanced drone, which helped locate a slipper belonging to Viraj. Further support was sought from the Sahyadri Wildlife Conservation Society and Deepak Nitrate Limited for descending into the gorge.

Equipped with safety gear, rescue members located Viraj’s body beneath a tree deep in the gorge. The recovery operation involved the use of stretchers and ropes to safely retrieve the body, which was later handed over to the Pune Police for further investigation.

The joint efforts of all teams ensured the successful completion of the recovery operation despite the challenging terrain and circumstances.