Pune: The alleged abduction and assault of lawyer Sahil Dongre, assistant to the defence counsel in the Swargate rape case, was debunked by Pune Police. Initial investigations revealed that Dongre was not kidnapped but was involved in a self-inflicted accident under the influence of alcohol, as per reports.

The claims were initially made by advocate Wajed Khan Bidkar, who is representing rape accused Datta Gade. He had alleged that Dongre was abducted, beaten and left at Dive Ghat. However, police investigations have now proved otherwise.

Lawyer’s Accident Mistaken As Abduction

Dongre had filed a complaint at Hadapsar Police Station on Tuesday, claiming that unidentified individuals kidnapped him from the Hadapsar bus stand area, assaulted him in a vehicle, and abandoned him at Dive Ghat. He was later admitted to Sassoon Hospital for treatment.

However, Pune Police Commissioner Dr Rajkumar Shinde clarified that Dongre’s injuries were not from an abduction but from an accident, reported ABP Majha. CCTV footage from the area showed that Dongre was leaving a hotel intoxicated before the alleged incident.

CCTV Footage & Technical Analysis Reveal the Truth

According to the report citing police findings, Dongre was last seen at Sagar Bar in Pune around 10 pm with his friend Aniket Maske. CCTV footage confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol when he left the establishment.

Further technical analysis tracked Dongre’s movements, showing that he was present at Dive Ghat at 11:30 pm and again at 5 am. At dawn, a distress call was made to emergency numbers 108 and 112, reporting an unconscious man due to an accident. A call was also received at Saswad Police Station regarding an injured individual.

Later, an ambulance from the Saswad Rural Health Hospital responded to the scene and transported Dongre for medical attention. His injuries were consistent with a road accident rather than an assault.

About Swargate Rape Case

Datta Gade, a resident of Gunat village in Shirur Taluka, was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman inside a Shivshahi bus at Swargate Bus Stand on February 26. The case sparked widespread outrage across the state. Police arrested Gade two days later with the help of local villagers and he is currently in judicial custody at Yerwada Jail.

Police Confirm No Abduction Took Place

Contrary to media reports suggesting an abduction and assault, police have confirmed that Sahil Dongre’s injuries were the result of a road accident. The case has now been classified accordingly, with further investigation ongoing to rule out any foul play.