Unregistered Mandal, 41 Conditions: What Police Found After Pune Dahi Handi Death

Pune witnessed a tragic incident on Friday night when a 45-year-old woman, Salma Salauddin Pathan, lost her life after an iron angle from a Dahi Handi structure fell on her during dismantling. The event was organized by the Vighnaharta Dahi Handi Mitra Mandal, which is not a registered entity. Pathan, identified as the wife of Salauddin, was present to watch the event alongside her husband.

The mishap occurred around 10.45 PM at Lane No. 2, Old Sangvi, when the stage arch, dismantled by volunteers from the same mandal, collapsed and struck Pathan. She was rushed to Aundh Hospital, but doctors declared her dead upon arrival. Notably, Pathan's son, Rahim, is also a volunteer with the mandal.

Police, led by Senior Inspector Jitendra Koli, registered an accidental death report as the deceased family declined to file a complaint. Koli explained that the mandal is not registered, and the police had granted permission after the organizers submitted 41 conditions. These covered aspects like ensuring a sturdy and safe structure, prohibiting children under 14 from participating as Govindas, preventing obstruction of traffic, respecting religious sentiments, and adhering to noise pollution rules.

However, violations of several conditions have now come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the tragic incident. The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Pathan's death, focusing on the safety measures taken during the dismantling of the temporary Dahi Handi structure.