Special Correspondent
Pune: In a shocking case from Pune, a gang of four individuals exploited the trust of Grindr users to rob them of cash and valuables. Grindr, a popular dating app for the LGBTQ+ community, became the platform through which the group lured and threatened victims. Social stigma initially kept victims from reporting these incidents to the police. However, the Nanded City police, in a special operation, arrested Bharat Kisan Dhindle (18), the prime accused, and detained three juveniles involved in the crimes.
A 32-year-old hotelier filed a complaint with the Nanded City police after falling victim to the gang. On January 13, he received a message on Grindr from Dhindle, posing as a gay individual. Following a long chat, they decided to meet on January 14 near DSK Vishwa Society, Dhayri, around 8 p.m.
Upon arrival, Dhindle asked the complainant to sit on his bike and took him to a secluded area behind a school. Once there, three juveniles joined Dhindle. The group verbally abused the victim and robbed him of cash, gold earrings, and other valuables. Dhindle also forced the victim to transfer Rs. 5,000 via PhonePe before fleeing the scene, leaving the victim helpless.
Police Action Following Social Media Lead
Initially hesitant to approach the police, the victim came forward after a viral social media post highlighted similar robberies in the area.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sambhaji Kadam explained, “The message mentioned a gang active between DSK Road and Raikar Mala. The juveniles would ask for a lift, claiming a medical emergency, and then rob victims at knifepoint.”
Based on this lead, police constables Purushottam Gunla and Akshay Jadhav laid a trap and arrested the prime accused. “The modus operandi was unique—they exploited the social stigma faced by the LGBTQ+ community. We had to counsel the complainant before he was comfortable filing a complaint,” Kadam added.
The accused, including Dhindle, are not part of the LGBTQ+ community. They pretended to be gay to lure victims on Grindr. Dhindle would set up meetings and take victims to isolated spots, where the juveniles would join in to threaten and rob them. The accused confessed to robbing four Grindr users using this method.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of DCP Sambhaji Kadam, with Senior Police Inspector Atul Bhos, Police Sub-Inspector Shivaji Bunage, and constables Yogesh Zende, Raju Vengare, Prashant Kakade, and Mohan Misal playing key roles.
