Pune, 22 August 2025: Pune was shaken after the brutal murder of a young computer engineer in the Mangdewadi area. The body of Saurabh Swami Athawale (25) was discovered in the hills of Shindewadi village, Bhor taluka, with multiple stab wounds, sending shockwaves across the region.
Saurabh, known for being protective of a minor girl in his neighbourhood whom he treated like a sister, had recently found out about her secret romantic relationship. Believing it was his responsibility, he informed her family about it. This revelation angered her minor boyfriend, who allegedly threatened Saurabh, saying he would pay for exposing the truth.
On the night of August 18, Saurabh left his house but never returned. The next day, his family filed a missing person’s complaint at Bharti Vidyapeeth police station. Soon after, Rajgad police discovered an unidentified young man’s body in Shindewadi’s hilly area. The body was soaked in blood, with clear signs of a vicious assault using sharp weapons.
The investigation revealed that the minor boyfriend had conspired to kill Saurabh out of revenge. He enlisted the help of three friends – Anil Gujje (21, Vadgaon Maval), Sangam Kshirsagar (19, Vadgaon Maval), and Nitin Shinde (18 years and 5 months, originally from Latur, residing in Katraj, Pune).
Together, they lured Saurabh from his home, forced him into a vehicle, and took him to the remote hills where they attacked him with sharp weapons, leading to his death.
Rajgad police cracked the case using technical evidence, CCTV footage, and confidential tip-offs. The team arrested the accused and seized an Activa scooter, a Splendor motorcycle, mobile phones, and weapons used in the crime. The accused were presented before the Bhor court, which remanded them to police custody until August 28. Further investigation is underway.
