Pune rapist nab by 500 cops, drones, dog squads.
Pune rape accused Dattatray Ramdas Gade was caught after an extensive three-day manhunt. His arrest came after a local man, at whose house he had stopped to ask for water, tipped off the police. Gade was hiding at a farm in Shirur when authorities apprehended him. The operation involved 500 police personnel, dog squads, and drones. His capture brought relief to the community, as law enforcement worked tirelessly to track him down and ensure justice.
Pune Rape Accused Nabbed After Massive 75-Hour Manhunt
Pune: In a dramatic turn of events, Pune rape accused Dattatray Ramdas Gade was finally caught after an extensive three-day manhunt involving 500 police personnel, dog squads, drones, and nearly 400 villagers. His arrest came late Thursday night, ending a tense search operation that spanned multiple locations.
Gade, 37, had been on the run since allegedly raping a woman inside a parked bus at Pune’s bustling Swargate depot. His escape triggered one of the city’s largest-ever police chases, with authorities deploying extensive resources to track him down.
The Tip-Off That Led to His Arrest
The breakthrough came when Gade, desperate for water, approached a local man for help. Unbeknownst to him, the man turned out to be an informant who immediately alerted the police. Acting swiftly, law enforcement traced Gade’s location and moved in for the arrest.
At the time of his capture, Gade was hiding at a farm in Shirur, about 65 kilometers from Pune. The police, who had already identified multiple locations where he might have sought refuge, were quick to act on the tip.
Police and Villagers Join Hands in the Hunt
Addressing the media, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar described the massive operation that led to Gade’s arrest.
“We had been searching for the accused for the past three days. Around 500 police officers and personnel were involved in the search, alongside support from 400 to 500 local villagers. At 1:10 AM, we took him into custody,” Kumar stated at a press conference.
Authorities left no stone unturned in their efforts. The police used drone surveillance to scan remote areas, while search teams combed through villages, fields, and possible hideouts. The villagers played a crucial role by assisting with information and keeping an eye on suspicious movements.
75 Hours of Chase Ends in Arrest
Gade had been on the run for 75 hours, constantly changing locations to evade capture. Investigators believe he initially hid in the outskirts of Pune before moving towards Shirur. His frequent movement, however, made it difficult for him to remain unnoticed, ultimately leading to his arrest.
The Pune police’s strategy of using both human intelligence and advanced surveillance proved instrumental in catching him. The deployment of dog squads further narrowed down his hiding spots, while the informant’s timely intervention sealed his fate.
Police Announce Reward for Informant
The man who provided the crucial tip-off to the police will receive a reward of ₹1 lakh, as previously announced by authorities. His quick action not only ensured Gade’s arrest but also prevented the accused from potentially escaping further.
The case has sparked outrage and concern over public safety in Pune. The swift police response, however, has reassured residents that law enforcement is committed to ensuring justice.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Gade is now in police custody, and investigators are working on building a strong case against him. Authorities are gathering forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and CCTV footage from the Swargate depot to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crime.
Legal experts believe the case will move swiftly, given the severity of the charges. Pune police have assured the public that they will seek the harshest punishment possible under the law.
As the investigation progresses, the focus will also be on addressing security concerns at public transport hubs. Many have called for stricter surveillance, better lighting, and increased police presence in such areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Public Reaction and Outcry
The incident has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, with citizens and activists demanding stricter laws and faster trials in sexual assault cases. Women’s rights groups have emphasized the need for better safety measures and accountability in public spaces.
The arrest of Gade marks a significant victory for Pune police, showcasing their efficiency and determination in handling such grave cases. However, the broader conversation on women’s safety continues, with renewed calls for systemic changes to ensure that such crimes do not occur again.
For now, the focus remains on securing justice for the victim while ensuring that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant against similar threats in the future.