Pune: A Pune court today rejected the Crime Branch's plea for extending police custody of Dattatray Gade, the accused in the Swargate MSRTC depot sexual assault case. The court dismissed the request as the police failed to present a strong justification for continued custody.
Gade was arrested on February 28 after a 26-year-old woman filed a complaint at Swargate Police Station, alleging sexual assault. He had been evading the police and was eventually caught hiding in a sugarcane field at around 1:15 AM. Following his arrest, he was remanded to police custody until March 12.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Gade had six prior robbery cases registered against him. The police conducted a medical examination and DNA sampling after his arrest.
Investigation & Use of 3D Technology
While in police custody, Gade was taken to the crime scene for evidence collection. The field where he was hiding was inspected, and statements were recorded from those he met while on the run. The police intended to use advanced 3D technology to analyze his walking style and behavioral patterns, integrating this data into the evidence.
The police had sought an extension of custody to complete these investigative procedures and further question Gade. However, the court found no substantial reason to approve the request.
The defense, represented by Advocate Wajid Khan-Bidkar, successfully argued against the extension, leading the court to dismiss the police plea. The case is now expected to proceed with further legal proceedings based on the collected evidence.