Pune: In connection with the gang rape of a college girl in the Bopdev Ghat area, Pune police have expanded their investigation by questioning habitual offenders imprisoned at Yerawada Jail.

The investigation team is showing sketches of the suspected perpetrators to inmates who are serving sentences for serious crimes, in an attempt to gather information that may lead to the capture of the suspects.

The police have already questioned 450 known offenders from 40 villages and settlements near the crime scene. The investigation is focusing on individuals with a history of serious offenses, such as robbery, molestation, and rape, in the hilly and ghat regions of Pune district.

Officers believe that other criminals may have information on the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

The crime occurred on the night of October 3, when a young woman, who was out with a friend in Bopdev Ghat, was assaulted by a group of men. Since the incident, the police have formed 60 special teams to track down the suspects.

In addition, investigators have collected data on 50,000 mobile users who traveled through the Bopdev Ghat area over the past 15 days. This data is currently being analyzed for clues, though technical challenges have arisen due to poor mobile network coverage in the area.

Authorities believe the suspects may have fled via the Saswad route and are reviewing CCTV footage from a 70-80 kilometer radius around the crime scene.

Additionally, officers have been questioning those involved in illegal activities in the villages surrounding Bopdev Ghat, such as workers at roadside eateries and liquor sellers, hoping to gather further leads.

However, incomplete CCTV coverage in some areas has posed challenges to the investigation. Assistance is also being provided by investigation teams from the Saswad and Rajgad police stations to help in the ongoing investigation.