Pune News: In a significant breakthrough in the Bopdev Ghat gang rape case, Pune police arrested the second accused from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. This arrest follows the earlier apprehension of another accused, with police intensifying their search for the third suspect still at large.
The arrested individual has been identified as Akhtar Ali Shaikh (28), a resident of Kondhwa in Pune and originally from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The first accused, Ravindra Kumar Kanojia, who was arrested earlier, is currently in police custody until October 15, as per court orders. Shaikh, along with Kanojia, was involved in the horrific gang rape, while the third accomplice remains on the run. The police are actively pursuing leads to locate and arrest him. (Pune Crime News)
Details of the Incident
The case pertains to the heinous gang rape of a college student, which took place on the night of October 3, near Bopdev Ghat. The victim and her friend were threatened with a sharp weapon before the assault occurred, leading to widespread outrage across Pune.
Investigation Efforts
Following the incident, Pune police launched a massive investigation, questioning around 450 individuals across 45 villages near the Bopdev Ghat area. The police also investigated known offenders involved in serious crimes such as robbery, molestation, and sexual assault in the region.
To track down the suspects, a special task force comprising 60 police teams was formed. They analyzed data from 50,000 mobile phones that had passed through the Bopdev Ghat area on the night of the crime. This technical investigation, combined with information from local informants, led to the arrest of Ravindra Kanojia from Yevalewadi on October 10. (Pune Crime)
Manhunt for Akhtar Ali Shaikh
During the interrogation, it was revealed that the second accused, Akhtar Shaikh, had fled to his native village near Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Acting on this information, a police team, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Nikhil Pingale, was dispatched to Uttar Pradesh. The team, led by Senior Police Inspector Vijay Kumbhar, Assistant Inspector Prashant Sande, and other officers, set a trap and successfully arrested Shaikh.
Shaikh, who had been working at a scrap trading business in Kondhwa, fled Pune on October 4, traveling through Nagpur to reach Uttar Pradesh. He has a history of multiple marriages, with his current wife residing near Prayagraj.
Ongoing Search for Third Accused
The Pune police are now focusing their efforts on locating the third suspect involved in this brutal crime. The investigation continues, and more arrests are expected soon as the police intensify their search.
