Bopdev Ghat Rape: Forensic Samples Collected as Pune Police Expand Investigation Radius

Pune, 8th October 2024: In a major effort to apprehend the culprits in the Bopdev Ghat gang rape case, Pune Police are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for a technical investigation. The police are working to overcome obstacles in the probe and have decided to reactivate their traditional informer network. A meeting of investigating officers was held at the Pune Police Commissionerate on Monday to discuss the next steps.

Police are currently analyzing data from 3,000 mobile users who were in the Bopdev Ghat area over the past 15 days. The technical investigation is focusing on mobile records, names, and addresses of individuals who traveled through the ghat, as it is suspected that the accused might have fled to Saswad after the crime. Additionally, CCTV footage covering a 70-80 km radius around the ghat is being reviewed to trace the suspects. Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma informed that over 200 suspected individuals have already come under police scrutiny.

To encourage public assistance, Pune Police have announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for anyone providing credible information about the accused. The identity of informants will remain confidential. Sharma has appealed to the public to come forward with any leads that could help solve the case. Police are also gathering information on known criminals from Pune, Solapur, and Satara districts, with all data being analyzed using AI technology.

The brutal incident took place around midnight on Thursday (3rd October) at the Table Point area of Bopdev Ghat, where a college girl and her friend were assaulted by the suspects. The girl was raped, and the assailants used a bamboo stick to beat the victims. Police have recovered the bamboo, blood samples, and other materials from the crime scene, which have been sent for forensic testing.

The police are receiving help from local authorities, including police stations in Saswad, Jejuri, Phaltan, Baramati, Solapur, and Satara districts. Due to the strong community ties of Police Patils and village Sarpanches, their assistance is expected to aid the investigation significantly.