One Arrested in Lonavala Rape Case; Victim and Accused Knew Each Other: Pune Rural SP Gill
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Lonavala, 26th July 2025: Pune Rural Police have arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with a rape case reported in Lonavala, following swift investigation based on CCTV evidence and further questioning of the complainant.
According to the FIR registered at the Lonavala City Police Station, the incident occurred during the night of July 25, when the female complainant alleged that three unknown men forcibly pulled her into a vehicle, took her to an unknown location, sexually assaulted her, and later abandoned her in Lonavala early the next morning.
However, during the course of the investigation, the narrative changed. “Upon verifying the CCTV footage and questioning the complainant further, it was found that only one person was involved in the incident,” said Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill while speaking to Punekar News.
The accused has been identified as Sanil Vasant Gaikwad (35), a resident of Tungarli, located in the Maval taluka of Pune district.
SP Gill confirmed that the victim and the accused were known to each other, which led to further clarity during the probe. “We have taken the accused into custody and further legal action is underway,” Gill added.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS including Sections 70, 64(M), 138, 304(2), and 115(2).
