On Sunday morning, March 23, 2025, the tragic drowning of Pallavi Sarode, a 37-year-old personal assistant to the Thane district collector, unfolded at Harihareshwar Beach in Raigad during a picnic with colleagues. Sarode, who had been working in the Thane district administration since 2012 and was promoted to assistant revenue officer just the previous year, was swept away by strong waves shortly after arriving at the beach.
Sarode and her colleagues initially visited a nearby temple before heading to the beach around 8 a.m. Upon reaching the shore, they relaxed and enjoyed their picnic until moments turned tragic. Around 8:45 a.m., while sitting on the rocks, Sarode was urged by her colleagues to return due to the risk of high tide. Unfortunately, she remained on the rocks and was suddenly pulled into the sea by a large wave. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with her colleagues quickly raising an alarm.
A local villager heard the calls for help and rushed to the scene on a speedboat, managing to retrieve Sarode after she had been submerged in the water for over five minutes. Despite immediate CPR administered by rescuers, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at Srivardhan rural hospital. The abrupt nature of Sarode's drowning shocked everyone who knew her, especially at the Thane district collector's office where she was well-regarded.
According to Manoj Sanap, the PRO from the collector’s office, they have filed an Accidental Death Report at the local police station following the incident. Sarode's colleagues remember her as hard-working, always willing to help, and someone with a smile that brightened their office environment.
Sarode is survived by her husband, mother-in-law, and 13-year-old son, greatly impacting their lives with her passing. Her family, tragic victims of an unfortunate accident, now must navigate life without a devoted wife and mother. Sources who interacted with Sarode described her not only as capable but also as compassionate, making her tragic death even more poignant.
This incident comes on the heels of another tragic drowning in the region; just the day before, two teenagers, Vivek Tiwari and Vinayak Shah, also succumbed to drowning in the Ulhas River in Thane. Such losses raised concerns among local residents regarding safety at recreational sites and the ever-present risks associated with water activities.
As authorities investigate the precise circumstances leading to Sarode's death and the drowning of the teenagers, communities are urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution near water bodies, especially during high tides. The Thane district administration expressed its condolences to the grieving family and promised support during their difficult time.
