Pune: In a major development in the Swargate ST depot rape case, Pune Police have intensified their search for 26-year-old rape accused Dattatray Gade, deploying 13 special teams to track him down. Gade, who fled after the crime, is believed to be hiding in a sugarcane field in Shirur taluka, and police have launched a drone surveillance operation to locate him.
According to police reports, Gade has a history of criminal offenses, with two cases registered in Shikrapur and a total of six cases filed across Shirur, Kotwali, Supa, and Swargate police stations. His phone has been switched off since 2 PM on the day of the crime, making it difficult to track his movements.
After committing the crime, Gade escaped to his hometown in Shirur, where he allegedly stayed for five hours before disappearing. His family members have been summoned for questioning, as police suspect that he may have received assistance while fleeing.
Acting on a tip-off, Pune police have begun an intensive search in Ghunat village, Shirur taluka, where Gade is suspected to be hiding in a sugarcane field. Reports suggest that he was last seen approaching a house to fetch water.
The Crime Branch has launched a full-scale manhunt, using drone cameras to scan agricultural fields and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, authorities have urged the public to report any sightings of the accused.