Pune Police Book 11 in Fatal Lift Crash Case at Talegaon Dabhade Society
In a tragic incident that has sparked legal action, the Talegaon Dabhade police have registered a case against members of the Nisarga housing society and individuals from a private elevator maintenance firm. This follows the death of a 33-year-old man, Dinesh Surange, who succumbed to injuries after a lift plunged from the sixth floor of the complex in December 2025.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The lift crash occurred on December 6, 2025, at the Nisarga housing society in Talegaon Dabhade. Dinesh Surange, a resident of the society, was trapped inside the elevator when it developed a technical snag and got stuck between the sixth and seventh floors. While society members and neighbours were attempting to rescue him, the lift cable snapped, causing it to crash to the ground. Surange, who was still inside, suffered multiple fractures and severe injuries from the fall. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his critical injuries a day later, on December 7, 2025.
Police Investigation and Complaint
Nearly four months after the victim's death, his brother, Ritesh Surange, who lives in the Kiwale area of Pimpri Chinchwad, lodged a formal complaint with the police on March 28, 2026. Based on this complaint, the Talegaon Dabhade police initiated an investigation and registered a case. Senior police inspector Kanhaiya Thorat stated that Surange was leaving for work around 9 am when the incident occurred. The deceased, a native of Buldhana district, was a tenant in one of the flats in the society, which comprises around eight large towers. He was employed with a private firm in Talegaon Dabhade and lived with his wife. At the time of the incident, his pregnant wife had gone to her parents' house.
Negligence Allegations and Legal Charges
After the death, the family was in trauma and approached the police after a few months. During the investigation, police made enquiries among residents to establish negligence. One resident came forward, revealing that they had also been stuck in the lift before, and others had faced similar problems. Despite raising these grievances, the society management had failed to take corrective action. The police recorded this statement and filed a first information report (FIR). Senior inspector Thorat confirmed, "We have booked the society's chairman, secretary, and those responsible for lift maintenance for negligence," adding that a total of 11 people have been booked in the case.
The police have invoked sections 106 (1), 125 (a), 125 (d), 289, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections relate to charges of causing death by negligence, reckless endangerment of life or safety, negligent conduct with machinery, and common intention. The case highlights serious lapses in elevator safety and maintenance protocols at the housing society.
Impact and Aftermath
The incident has raised concerns about elevator safety in residential complexes across Pune. The delay in filing the complaint underscores the emotional trauma faced by the victim's family, who took time to gather strength before seeking legal recourse. Authorities are now scrutinizing maintenance records and safety measures at the Nisarga society to prevent such tragedies in the future. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and prompt action on resident complaints to ensure public safety.
