Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Woman Dies as Dahi Handi Structure Collapses in Pune
A temporary iron structure used for a Dahi Handi celebration fell in Old Sangvi.
It hit a 45-year-old woman named Salma Salauddin Pathan.
The event had already finished when workers began taking the structure down.
Pathan was taken to a hospital, but doctors could not save her.
Her family did not want to file a complaint against the organisers.
Police are still investigating what caused the structure to fall.
They said they may register a case if someone was careless or responsible.
The incident has raised concerns about safety at public festivals.
Police are also examining whether safety rules were followed during dismantling.
A 45-year-old woman, Salma Salauddin Pathan, died after an iron festival structure collapsed on her in Old Sangvi, Pune.
The incident occurred late Friday night after a Dahi Handi event organised by Vighnaharta Mandal had ended.
Pathan was injured while the framework was being dismantled and was declared dead on arrival at a hospital.
Her family declined to file a complaint and asked police not to initiate a case, citing concerns about young mandal members.
Sangvi police registered an Accidental Death Report and said action would follow if negligence or responsibility is established.
- Who
- Salma Salauddin Pathan, a 45-year-old woman, died; Sangvi police are investigating.
- What
- An iron structure erected for a Dahi Handi event collapsed during dismantling and struck Pathan.
- When
- Late Friday night, after the Dahi Handi event had ended.
- Where
- Old Sangvi, Pune.
- Why
- The structure’s collapse is under investigation, including whether negligence or a safety lapse contributed to the death.
Family’s Position
Police’s Position
Whether a complaint should be filed
Family’s Position
The family declined to file a complaint and asked police not to register a case on their own initiative, saying they did not want young mandal members to face legal trouble.
Police’s Position
Police said they would determine through their investigation whether anyone was responsible and could register a case if negligence is established.
Responsibility for the collapse
Family’s Position
The family has not alleged responsibility by the organisers in a formal complaint.
Police’s Position
Police are examining how the iron structure collapsed and whether anyone was negligent during its dismantling.
- Deceased
- Salma Salauddin Pathan
- Age
- 45
- Location
- Old Sangvi, Pune
- Event
- Dahi Handi celebration
- Organiser
- Vighnaharta Mandal
- Police action
- An Accidental Death Report was registered
- Family’s decision
- The family declined to file a complaint against the organisers