Special Correspondent
Pune: Dattatray Gade, the accused in the Swargate rape case, has been found to be a serial sexual predator, according to police investigations. He reportedly made a business out of blackmailing women involved in extramarital affairs in the Shirur area. Police have discovered that he would secretly record videos of these women as they exited lodges and later use these recordings to coerce them into sexual relations.
Gade, a habitual offender, already has six cases of theft registered against him. Further investigations have revealed that he had exploited multiple women in a similar manner. He had extensive knowledge of married women engaging in illicit relationships and would wait outside lodges to film them secretly. Once he had the videos, he would approach the women alone and blackmail them, threatening to expose their affairs unless they gave in to his demands.
Fearing social stigma and damage to their family reputation, many victims chose to remain silent, which emboldened the accused to continue his criminal activities. Police are now investigating whether more victims will come forward with complaints against him.
Following the Swargate incident, Gade fled from Pune to his native village, boarding a bus from the Swargate ST stand. When the police began searching for him, he went into hiding in farm fields for three days. Investigators are now looking into where he stayed during his absconding period and whether he received any assistance.
Additionally, forensic tests have confirmed Gade’s sexual capability, debunking his earlier claims of being homosexual. Police have begun collecting strong evidence against him to ensure a watertight case. Authorities have assured that no mistakes will be made in the investigation, and every effort will be taken to bring the accused to justice.
