Lonavala, May 29, 2026 — A 49-year-old Indian Navy personnel posted at INS Shivaji died on Thursday after falling approximately 400 feet into a deep valley at Tiger Point in Lonavala while on a video call with a relative. The deceased has been identified as Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO II) Rakesh Kumar Mishra, a resident of Mangolpuri in North West Delhi. He was accompanied by his colleague, Mahendra Singh, at the time of the incident.
According to Police Inspector Dinesh Tayade of the Lonavala Rural Police Station, Mishra had travelled to Tiger Point on his day off to familiarise himself with the location. His son and friends were scheduled to visit the popular clifftop viewpoint on May 30, and Mishra intended to guide them during their trip.
While at the scenic spot, Mishra initiated a video call with a relative to show the panoramic views. As he moved around a tree near the edge of the cliff to capture a better angle, he lost his footing and plunged into the 400-foot-deep valley below. His colleague, who was seated under a tree nearby, heard Mishra call out for help but was unable to reach him in time due to the treacherous terrain.
Singh immediately alerted the authorities. An accidental death report was registered at the Lonavala Rural Police Station. Police personnel, forensic experts, members of the Shivdurg Rescue Team, INS Shivaji staff, and the Maval Disaster Management Team swiftly responded to the scene.
Rescuers faced significant challenges due to the steep gorge and difficult terrain. Using ropes and stretchers, teams descended into the valley and successfully recovered Mishra’s body by Thursday evening. The body was transported to a local hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at approximately 6:30 pm. A post-mortem examination was subsequently conducted.
Investigating officers have classified the incident as accidental. No foul play is suspected, and police are examining the precise circumstances of the fall, including the positioning of the viewpoint and safety barriers at the site.
This tragic event has once again highlighted the inherent risks associated with visiting unguarded cliff edges at popular tourist destinations in the Western Ghats region. Local authorities have urged visitors to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety guidelines while enjoying the natural beauty of Lonavala.
Mishra, a senior non-commissioned officer with a distinguished service record at the premier naval training establishment INS Shivaji, is survived by his family in Delhi. His untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the naval community and among residents of Lonavala.
Further investigations into the incident are ongoing.
