Pune: After fleeing the scene of a serious crime at Pune’s Swargate MSRTC Bus Stand, accused Dattatray Ramdas Gade (37) was finally captured in his native village, Gunat, following a dramatic 72-hour search operation.
Upon learning that Gade had fled to Gunat, police launched an extensive search operation across the village. Initial leads suggested he was hiding in a sugarcane field, prompting the deployment of a sniffer dog unit. However, Gade managed to evade capture and later took refuge near a dry canal in the Chandanvasti area, not far from the village.
On Thursday night, as the police search slowed down, a group of young men gathered near a cricket ground adjacent to the canal. Among them were village leaders, including Sarpanch Ramdas Kakade, Police Patil Hanumant Sonawane, Ganesh Gawhane, Anil Bhalerao, and others. They soon spotted Gade near a well.
Realizing he had been seen, Gade attempted to flee upon noticing approaching motorcycle headlights. However, the young men skillfully engaged him in conversation while discreetly alerting the police. Within moments, Swargate police, who were stationed nearby, surrounded him from all directions and took him into custody.
The brutal nature of the crime and the unwanted attention it brought to Gunat motivated local residents to assist in capturing the accused. Determined to clear their village’s name, they worked alongside the police to ensure Gade's arrest.
Timeline of Events:
Tuesday Morning: The crime was committed at Swargate ST Bus Stand, and the accused fled to Gunat. By the afternoon, he was seen at Shirur Bus Stand.
Tuesday Evening: After reaching home, Gade rested briefly before attending a local religious gathering.
Wednesday Morning: As news of his crime spread, he abandoned his house and hid in a sugarcane field.
Later Wednesday: He visited an acquaintance's house to drink water. The person informed the police and attempted to persuade him to surrender, but Gade escaped once more.
Thursday: Police intensified their search upon confirming he was still in the village.
Final Hideout: Gade was discovered three kilometers from his relatives' house, lying near a dry canal, where he had secured a blanket to sleep.
Drone Surveillance: The police used drones to track his movements and issued a surrender appeal. At one point, Gade even attempted suicide by hanging.