Pune Police are intensifying their investigation into the Bopdev Ghat gang rape case, questioning several notorious criminals previously charged with robbery and molestation in the area.
The move comes after a horrifying incident in which a college student was gang-raped on the night of October 3, 2024, while she was visiting the area with a friend. The crime occurred in the secluded region of Bopdev Ghat, a popular yet unsafe location for visitors due to past criminal activities.
To expedite the search for the absconding accused, the police have deployed 25 specialized teams. Over the last two weeks, authorities have collected data from approximately 3,000 mobile phones that passed through the Bopdev Ghat area.
However, technical challenges have emerged due to the weak mobile network in the region, slowing the analysis of critical data. It is suspected that the criminals fled towards Saswad, a nearby town, and CCTV footage from a radius of 70 to 80 kilometers around the crime scene is being examined for clues.
Despite intensive efforts, five days into the investigation, the police have yet to uncover any significant leads. In response, they have begun interrogating individuals previously charged with crimes such as robbery and molestation in Bopdev Ghat.
Furthermore, the police have reactivated their network of informants across Pune city and surrounding rural areas in an effort to trace the culprits. Local village police patils and sarpanches are also being roped in to assist in gathering information.
To enhance the search, the police are utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, hoping to track the absconding criminals more efficiently.
In an effort to encourage public cooperation, Pune Police have announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for anyone who can provide credible information about the accused.
Forensic experts are also involved in the case, having collected evidence from the crime scene, including blood samples and bamboo sticks. These materials have been sent to the forensic science laboratory for detailed examination.
