Police release sketch of suspect in Pune Solapur highway sexual assault, robbery
The minor, who was sexually assaulted, and the three women, who were robbed, were part of a seven-member group from three families known to each other from a village in Pune district. The group was on its way to the temple town of Pandharpur in Solapur district.
According to police, besides the 17-year-old girl and the three women passengers, two 17-year-old boys and a 70-year-old driver were in the van.
Around 4.15 am on Monday, around 10 kilometres from Bhigwan town, two unidentified men approached the car when the driver stopped the vehicle by the roadside to relieve himself.
Brandishing sharp weapons, the duo robbed three women of gold ornaments worth Rs 1.5 lakh. One of the men dragged away the girl behind a tea stall and sexually assaulted her, threatening her at knife point. The two men had covered their faces with masks, said police.
The Pune Rural police launched an extensive manhunt for the suspects. A total of 10 teams were formed for the probe.
'Investigation revealed that the assailants threw chilli powder at the occupants of the vehicle. When one of the suspects was blowing the chilli powder at the occupants, he had momentarily lowered his mask. Based on the description given by the occupants, a sketch of the suspect has been prepared. We are making an appeal to approach us with information about such a suspect,' said an officer who is part of the probe.
Police have made available contact numbers where people can call to provide information about the suspect. People can call sub-divisional police officer Bapurao Dadas on 9049664673, Assistant Inspector Rahul Gawade on 9823165080 and Assistant Inspector Dattaji Mohite on 8308844004.
Officials said that eight teams, comprising close to 75 officers and personnel, from the local police station and the crime branch (LCB) of the Pune Rural police are working on various leads.
On Monday evening, police started questioning some criminals on police records from the region. Probe suggested that the occupants of the vehicle did raise alarm as the two suspects targeted them. Since vehicles on the highway were moving at a high speed, the passersby could not have sensed anything suspicious, said officials.
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