Pune Woman Dies as Dahi Handi Structure Falls

A 45-year-old woman, Salma Salauddin Pathan, died on Friday night in Old Sangvi, Pune, after an iron angle from a Dahi Handi structure fell on her while it was being dismantled. The incident occurred around 10.45pm at Lane No. 2, Old Sangvi.

The woman had gone to watch the Dahi Handi event with her husband, Salauddin. The Dahi Handi was broken around 10.15pm, and volunteers from the Vighnaharta Dahi Handi Mitra Mandal were dismantling the stage arch when the accident happened.

Pathan suffered serious injuries and was taken to Aundh Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. The Sangvi police have registered an accidental death report and started an investigation.

The Vighnaharta Dahi Handi Mitra Mandal, which organised the event, is not a registered entity. Despite this, the police had granted permission for the event after issuing a notice with 41 conditions. These conditions included requirements for a sturdy and safe stage and structure, as well as prohibitions on children below 14 years participating as Govindas.

The police have stated that several of these conditions were reportedly violated. The incident has raised questions over the safety measures followed during the dismantling of the temporary Dahi Handi structure.

The family of the deceased has declined to file a complaint, citing that the mandal members were their own people and that Pathan's son, Rahim, is a volunteer with the same mandal. Senior Police Inspector Jitendra Koli said that the police had asked the family to file a complaint if they had any grievance, but they chose not to pursue it.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the police are looking into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The death of Salma Salauddin Pathan has highlighted the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place during public events.

In recent years, there have been several incidents of accidents and injuries during Dahi Handi events in Maharashtra. The state government has implemented various safety measures and guidelines for organisers to follow, but the incident in Pune has raised concerns about the effectiveness of these measures.

The Vighnaharta Dahi Handi Mitra Mandal's lack of registration has also raised questions about the oversight and regulation of such events. The police and local authorities will need to review their procedures and ensure that all event organisers are held to the same safety standards.

The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritising safety and responsible event management. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the authorities will take steps to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.

The death of Salma Salauddin Pathan has sent shockwaves through the community, and her family and friends are mourning her loss. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and attention to safety protocols during public events.

In conclusion, the incident in Pune highlights the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place during public events. The authorities must take steps to prevent such accidents from happening in the future and ensure that all event organisers are held to the same safety standards.