Police in Pune used drones, sniffer dogs, and human intelligence to track and arrest the accused in a recent rape case. Advanced surveillance technology and coordinated efforts helped locate the suspect efficiently. Authorities relied on a mix of modern tools and traditional investigative methods for a swift breakthrough. The case highlights the growing role of technology in criminal investigations.
Pune: Police arrested a 37-year-old man, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, for allegedly raping a 26-year-old woman inside a parked state transport bus at the Swargate depot in Pune. This followed an extensive manhunt that utilized drones, sniffer dogs, 13 police teams, and human intelligence.
Gade had been evading capture since the incident on Tuesday morning and was located in an agricultural field near his home village of Gunat in Shirur tehsil around midnight on Thursday.
Police officials reported that drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras aided in the search, allowing them to capture aerial images of the area where Gade was hiding.
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He was formally arrested and presented before the Pune sessions court, which remanded him to police custody until March 12 after considering arguments from both defense and prosecution.
The police sought Gade’s custody for 14 days, while his lawyer, Wajid Khan, contended that the woman had entered the bus voluntarily and that their interaction was consensual. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the home portfolio, confirmed that Gade was located using advanced technology, stating,
“The accused was in hiding. The police tracked him using different technologies. The details of the entire incident and sequence will be unearthed.”
A ligature mark was found on Gade’s neck, raising suspicions that he may have attempted suicide. A senior police officer noted,
“Gade was brought to Pune city by 2 am. He was sent for a medical examination and formally arrested.”
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Gade, who has a criminal history with several cases against him, had fled to his village after the alleged assault on the woman, who works in the health sector.
According to sources, Gade had turned off his mobile phone, but police tracked him down after learning he had visited a nearby house asking for water. Despite initial challenges, human intelligence proved crucial in locating him. Gade was ultimately apprehended after attempting to hide from law enforcement.
Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated,
“According to the primary medical report, a ligature mark was found on the accused. It is suspected that he attempted suicide.”
He also thanked the local residents of Gunat village for their assistance in the search operation. Following the incident, there were calls from the opposition for the Mahayuti government to implement the Shakti Bill, which includes stringent measures against crimes targeting women and children.
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Former state home minister Anil Deshmukh criticized the government for the delay in passing the Shakti Bill, which had been pending approval from the Centre since its introduction by the previous government.
CM Fadnavis responded by explaining that the bill conflicted with Supreme Court guidelines and that the Centre had raised objections to some of its provisions. He indicated that the government would review the bill and consider necessary amendments.
Criticism also arose regarding statements made by Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam, who had suggested that there was no force or argument involved in the crime, remarks that were deemed insensitive by opposition leaders.
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