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By:

Dr. Abhilash Dawre

19 March 2025 at 5:18:41 pm

Nine killed as car plunges into open well

Deceased belong to same family, six children included Nashik: Nine members of a family, including six children, were killed after their car fell into an open well in Nashik district, police said on Saturday. The accident occurred in the Shivaji Nagar area of Dindori town around 10 pm on Friday, an official said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the deaths of children in the tragic incident, and said that he has ordered an immediate safety audit of open wells in public...

Nine killed as car plunges into open well

Deceased belong to same family, six children included Nashik: Nine members of a family, including six children, were killed after their car fell into an open well in Nashik district, police said on Saturday. The accident occurred in the Shivaji Nagar area of Dindori town around 10 pm on Friday, an official said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the deaths of children in the tragic incident, and said that he has ordered an immediate safety audit of open wells in public areas. According to the police, the victims were returning home after attending a function at a banquet hall in the area when their car fell into a well on the roadside near the venue. Personnel from the local police and emergency services arrived at the scene and retrieved the car and its occupants with the help of two cranes and swimmers around midnight. The victims were members of the Dargode family from Indore village in Dindori taluka, the official said. The bodies were brought to the government hospital in Dindori, the official said, adding that a case has been registered. No Escape According to information, the victims had attended a function organised by Wadje Classes and were returning home to Indore village (Dindori taluka) when the accident took place. The car went out of control and fell into an open well located along the roadside, which was completely filled with water, leaving no chance for escape. After receiving information about the incident, Dindori Police, local administration, fire brigade personnel, and disaster management teams rushed to the spot. Rescue operations were challenging as the well was filled with water. The vehicle was eventually pulled out using two cranes around midnight. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also reached the location, and the rescue operation continued late into the night. The incident has raised serious concerns over administrative negligence. Local residents have alleged that the well, located dangerously close to the road, had no safety measures such as fencing or protective barriers. While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’ , Inspector Bhagwan Mathure of Dindori Police Station stated that the well belongs to accused Rajendra Parvatrav Raje. Despite being aware that the well, located adjacent to a public road, posed a serious risk of accidents and possible loss of life, no necessary safety measures were taken. “There was no fencing, barricading, or protective structure around the well,” Mathure said. Probe Ordered State Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan visited the accident spot. He said that the administration has been directed to close the well, and that the government will provide assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased persons. The Nashik collector has been asked to probe the incident and submit an inquiry report, he said. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis termed the accident "extremely unfortunate". Preliminary information indicated that the well had a low boundary wall and was in the middle of a frequently accessed area, he said. The state government has announced financial assistance for the affected family, he said, adding that instructions have been issued to identify and review all wells situated on roads or in areas with public movement. "Such locations must be audited to assess whether these wells are necessary and what safety measures can be implemented," he said, noting that a higher protective wall could have prevented the tragedy. The deceased Sunil Dattatray Dargode (32) Reshma Sunil Dargode (27) Asha Anil Dargode (32) Gunvanti Sunil Dargode (11) Shreyash Anil Dargode (11) Shravani Anil Dargode (11) Srushti Anil Dargode (14) Samruddhi Rajendra Dargode (7) Shraddha Anil Dargode (13)

New Financial Year - Five Tips

As the new financial year 2026-2027 begins, it is the perfect time to reassess your financial goals and make smart decisions to build a strong foundation for the year ahead. The following five strategies can help you take better control of your financial future.


Whenever I talk about investments below, I mean a combination of mutual funds, direct stocks, and gold. These are essential for beating inflation and achieving your long-term goals, especially those beyond three years. For short-term goals, you can stick to bank fixed deposits and recurring deposits.


1. Increase your SIPs

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined way to invest. If you have not increased your SIP contributions in the last 12 months, or after a recent salary increase, promotion, or job change, now is a good time to review and increase them. Your SIPs should ideally account for at least 30% of your monthly in-hand income. Consistent investment habits help you manage current expenses while building long-term wealth. It is important that your investments not only beat inflation, but also help maintain and improve your standard of living over time.


2. Make lumpsum investments

If you have excess funds that you will not need for the next three years, consider making lumpsum investments. Idle money gradually loses value because of inflation, so it is important to put surplus funds to work wisely. Beyond SIPs, keep making lumpsum investments regularly whenever surplus money is available.


3. Health insurance

Health insurance is a critical component of any sound financial plan. To protect your savings and long-term financial goals, it is essential to buy personal, comprehensive health insurance that offers sufficient coverage and the necessary features. Do not rely only on your employer’s health insurance plan.


4. Term life insurance

Term life insurance is an essential product to provide financial security for your loved ones. If you do not already have a term plan, make it a priority to get one. If you do have one, assess whether your coverage is sufficient in relation to your income and financial goals, and increase it if needed. Term insurance is a cost-effective way to protect your family in case of an untimely death and ensure their financial stability.


5. Engage a financial advisor for comprehensive planning

If you have not yet worked with a financial advisor, the new financial year is a good time to start. A professional advisor can help you create a personalised plan by assessing your financial goals and covering various investments. A well-educated, full-time financial professional brings the necessary education, wisdom, experience, and expertise to help you achieve your financial goals.


By implementing these strategies at the beginning of the financial year, you can put yourself in a stronger position for financial success and long-term security.


(The writer is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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