Tragic Discovery: Class XII Student Found Dead in Mahabaleshwar Valley
In a heartbreaking incident, a 17-year-old Class XII student from Dhebewadi in Satara's Karad tehsil, who had been missing since Friday, was found dead on Monday in a deep 400ft valley at Kate's Point in Mahabaleshwar. The location, also known as Elephant Head Point or Needle Hook Point, became the site of a grim discovery after an extensive search operation.
Disappearance and Search Operation
The teenager's father filed a missing person complaint at the Dhebewadi police station on Friday, prompting immediate police action. Authorities began their investigation by obtaining mobile tower location data, which traced the student's last known position to the Kate's Point area.
A coordinated search effort involving trekking groups from Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgad, and the Sahyadri Trekkers organization commenced to comb the challenging terrain. Despite thorough scanning of the entire region, the search teams only located the youth's body on Monday, which was found in a decomposed state.
Police Investigation and Family Statements
Assistant Inspector P S Daingade of Dhebewadi police station revealed concerning details about the student's mental state. "Relatives informed us that the boy was experiencing depression," Daingade stated. "He expressed fear about missing his upcoming HSC board examinations. The student believed his academy had registered his application online, but later discovered this hadn't been completed."
The police are currently investigating these claims made by family members. Daingade added, "We've learned the deceased was academically strong. His parents mentioned he had been studying from home during recent weeks."
Academic Context and Travel Details
The Maharashtra HSC board examinations are scheduled to begin on February 10, with hall tickets available for download since January 13. This academic pressure appears to have been a significant factor in the tragedy according to preliminary investigations.
Kate's Point is approximately a three-hour journey from Dhebewadi. From the Mahabaleshwar bus stand, the location is about 7 kilometers away, typically requiring around 20 minutes by cab.
Police reconstructed the student's final journey through CCTV footage analysis. "We examined all surveillance footage along the route to Mahabaleshwar," explained Daingade. "The student took a bus to Karad, then boarded a Pune-bound bus, disembarking at Satara before taking the Mahabaleshwar bus. CCTV footage confirmed he boarded the Pune bus alone at Karad."
Recovery and Official Proceedings
The deceased's body was transported to Patan hospital, where relatives positively identified him. D G Pawar, assistant inspector of Panchgani police station, provided additional investigation details: "We have recovered the student's mobile phone. No suicide note was found either on the device or in his pockets. We are continuing to collect statements from family members."
A case of accidental death has been officially registered at the Panchgani police station as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident that has shaken the local community.
