In a recent hearing, police informed a Pune court about the 2 individuals arrested in connection with the gang rape of a 21-year-old woman on October 3.
According to police, the suspects attempted to mislead investigators by providing false information about a 3rd accomplice who remains at large.
The police have since identified the real name of the third accused and are actively working to locate him, as stated by a crime branch official during the court proceedings on Tuesday. The authorities requested custody of the two arrested suspects, currently in judicial remand, to facilitate further investigation. The court granted their custody to the police until November 8.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Chandrakumar Raviprasad Kanojiya, from Madhya Pradesh, and Akhtar Babu Shaikh, originally from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Reports indicate that Shaikh also provided a false name for his father during the police inquiry.
The incident occurred on the night of October 3 in the Bopdev Ghat area, located on the outskirts of Pune. The victim was allegedly assaulted by three men while she was out with a male friend, who was also physically attacked by the assailants.
In response to the incident, Pune police announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of the remaining suspect. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar emphasized the importance of a swift investigation, stating that their goal is to complete the inquiry quickly, file a chargesheet, and expedite the legal proceedings to ensure a prompt conviction.
Kumar further noted that all three suspects have prior criminal records related to theft, which contributed to their attempt to evade capture by avoiding CCTV cameras during their escape after the crime.
The police’s ongoing efforts to apprehend the third accused and their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice reflect a determined response to this serious crime, which has raised significant concerns about safety in the region.
The case highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect individuals from such violent acts and to ensure that justice is served swiftly and effectively.
