Pune horror: Woman gang-raped, friend tied to tree-Police release sketches of suspects

Pune city was left shaken over a heinous crime, after a 21-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by three men at Bopdev Ghat on Thursday night. Sketches of two of the three suspects involved in the attack have now been released by the Pune police on the basis of the victim’s account, and a man hunt has been launched to capture them.

The Incident: Brute Attack at Bopdev Ghat
This sensational crime had come into existence when the young girl accompanied her male friend, who was a college student and had gone to visit Bopdev Ghat, a beautiful location near Pune. Both were students and did not stay in Pune. Not knowing that dangers were lurking in that location, the duo had visited that place. They were accosted by three assailants during the night and brutally assaulted.

According to Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police, Pune, the miscreants first overpowered the woman’s male friend. A shirt and belt were used in tying him to the tree. After binding him, they committed the gangle rape on the woman. Reports say that the three men apparently took turns while committing the heinous crime where his friend could not but watch in horror.

The perpetrators also attacked the male friend of the victim. This somehow made the brutality of the incident even worse. After attacking their two victims, the perpetrators ran away from the scene and left the two to find their way to safety on their own.

Victim Calls for Help: Rushed to Hospital
Traumatized and injured, the woman along with her friend, was finally brought to the government-run Sassoon General Hospital in Pune. It had taken until about 5 A.M. on Friday for the police to be informed about the assault when the two had gone to seek treatment at the hospital. Medical treatment that the woman has been administered has placed her on the mend.

The police have since confirmed that the two victims are students of a college. The female student is pursuing a course in event management, and her male friend was pursuing a chartered accountancy course. Neither are residents of Pune, and hence a question does remain about whether there is a relation to the fact that they were targeted because they were strangers in this part of the country.

Police Action: Sketches Released, Investigations Underway
The Pune police have been quick to share sketches of two of the three suspects who have been identified after the incident. The sketches were prepared in consonance with the statement given by the victim and are promising leads as the police ask people to come forward with any information that might help track down the criminals.

Since the case is one of grave dimensions, ten special teams have been constituted by the Pune police. Comprising officers from the crime branch and the local police station, these teams are probing into the crime and catching the criminals. Both teams are working in concert to make available to them all resources at their disposal, including forensic teams and dog squads.

The Kondhwa police, to whom the case has been reported, are carrying out a detailed inquiry at the site of crime where any possible evidence remaining has been collected. According to Kondhwa police station authorities, the crime took place in a relatively remote area, which increased the challenge of the investigating process. However, with the supports of forensic experts and technological apparatus, the police are optimistic that the culprits would soon be caught.

Appeal to Public: Police Release Contact Numbers
In an effort to speed up the investigation, police have also appealed to the public. They have released three mobile numbers: 8691999689, 8275200947, and 9307545045. They request any person who has information regarding the case to get in touch with them promptly. Citizens are being appealed to come forward who might have seen or heard something suspicious at Bopdev Ghat on Thursday night to bring the culprits to book.

Rising Concern: Safety in Pune Under Scanner
The incident has sparked wide-spread resentment as well as concern over public places security in and around the city of Pune. The very much visited Bopdev Ghat now finds itself under the scanner of being a danger zone. The people question how such violent crime could happen in a tourist destination.

There also arises a need for increased police patrolling and surveillance in isolated areas, especially those which are historically known to favor the youth. This will surely escalate further pressure from influential circles to harden security measures so that such a dastardly act would not have any semblance of recurrence.

Legal Proces and Follow-up
It is well expected that with the ongoing investigation, the criminals will be tracked down and brought to custody. The police might have published the sketches of the men who committed this violent crime, which could be very handy in tracing those men. After they would be arrested, they would be charged with some serious offenses; foremost, rape and assault, in which case, as there could be strong probability of legal provisions for sexual abuse of women.

Meanwhile, the Pune police are assuring the public that they are leaving no stone unturned to trace the perpetrators and bring them to book. The case not only has shaken the local community but also raised broader questions about the safety of women and vulnerable individuals in public spaces.

Conclusion: Seeking Justice
The crime has marred the life of a 21-year-old woman. In this tragic case, hope is infused in the minds of people that justice might be finally served as swift action was taken by the police of Pune. Continuing the investigation, attention is also provided to see that the three suspects are arrested swiftly and effectively. Once again, the incident once again reminded us that public places require improvement in safety measures. And more importantly, it has proved through this community reaction how such an event may be prevented in the future.

The Pune police are not leaving their chance and are not ready to let go without getting hold of these perpetrators with the given sketches to bring them down and give justice to those victims of this heinous crime that took place.

The forensic teams have been supported by the police, who are closing in on the assailants.

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