Kondhwa Rape Case Takes New Turn: Pune Police Say Accused Known to Victim, Photo Taken With Consent

Kondhwa, 4th July 2025: In a significant development in the alleged rape case reported in Pune’s Kondhwa area, city police have stated that the accused was known to the 22-year-old woman, and the photograph he took with her was consensual. Police also clarified that no chemical substance was used during the incident and that the accused works in the IT sector.

The incident, initially reported as a case involving a man posing as a courier delivery agent who allegedly raped a young woman in her apartment, has taken a complex turn following a detailed police investigation. The duo reportedly became acquainted last year at a family function, officials said.

Police Confirm Detention of Accused
Addressing the media on Friday, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that a suspect had been detained from the Baner area after a citywide manhunt involving hundreds of officers.

“Based on technical analysis and surveillance, the accused was tracked and detained. He was captured on CCTV entering the residential complex at 7:27 pm and exiting around 8:20 pm on the same day,” Kumar said.

“Communication between the two occurred on the day of the incident. Preliminary interrogation suggests that the selfie being circulated was clicked with mutual consent. No chemical spray was used, and the photo appears to have been edited after the accused left the premises,” he added.

Victim’s Phone Examined; Deleted Footage Retrieved
Kumar revealed that investigators have retrieved deleted and raw video data from the complainant’s mobile phone.
“We are examining the entire conversation, including who initiated contact. The timeline of messages and media is being forensically reviewed,” he noted.
The police also conducted thorough checks within the building.
“Officers questioned residents of all 44 flats in the society. Over 500 CCTV cameras were analyzed to track the movements of the suspect,” Kumar said. “We deployed around 200 officers from the Crime Branch and 300 personnel from zonal units for this case.”

Case Remains Under Investigation
While police have not officially ruled out the possibility of sexual assault, they emphasized that the rape allegation remains under investigation and will be guided by forensic and digital evidence.

“This is a sensitive matter. We urge people to refrain from speculation. All angles are being investigated thoroughly,” Kumar said, reiterating that final conclusions will depend on the completion of the probe.

The case, which initially triggered outrage and fear across the city, especially among working women and residents in gated societies, is now being closely watched as the investigation unfolds.