Gautam Ajinath Gaikwad, a 24-year-old man from Telangana, who had gone missing from Pune’s historic Singhgad Fort, was found alive on the fourth day. A relentless search operation was carried out by a team of around 60 people, including police, NDRF, forest department, and local villagers. For three days, he remained elusive until locals spotted him near the Tanaji Malusare memorial within the fort grounds.
How Did He Vanish?
On August 20, Gautam had visited Singhgad Fort with his friends. Around 4 PM, he mentioned to his friends he was stepping away for a nature call but never returned. His friends found one of his sandals near the fort’s ditch, prompting them to alert the police.
Intensified Search Yields No Initial Results
Upon receiving the alert, Haveli police, disaster management, fire brigade, and local residents began a comprehensive search operation. Valleys, water sources, and the vast areas surrounding the fort were meticulously scoured. Even security camera footage from Kondhanpur Fata, which presented a suspicious individual, led to an expanded search direction but yielded no results for three days.
Breakthrough on the Fourth Day
As the administration was on the brink of suspending the operation on August 24, villagers spotted Gautam near the Tanaji Malusare memorial within the fort. He appeared weakened, repeatedly calling for 'Mom, Mom.' The police were swiftly notified, and he was transferred to a hospital with immediate effect.
Stable but Investigation in Spotlight
The police confirm that Gautam's health is stable, and he is receiving medical care. Nevertheless, there remains ambiguity about his whereabouts and condition during those four days. People are curious about how, despite a 60-person search effort, the young man was found in the same area on the fourth day.
August 20: Gautam disappears from Singhgad Fort.
3 Days
- Intense search with no results.
August 24: Gautam found near Tanaji Malusare memorial.
