3 years gone, murderer, rapist still at large

The re-arrest of gang-rape accused Yogesh Raut in the Nayana Pujari case has given a ray of hope to the family members of Rupali Chavan.

Just like Nayana, Rupali, an IT professional, too was gang-raped and murdered by Hanuman alias Ganesh Dhondiba Nanaware (40) in 2007. Rupali was five-months pregnant during the incident.

Nanaware worked as the cab driver for the same software firm where Rupali worked. He was dismissed from the service for behavioural grounds two months before the incident.

He was arrested on April 17, 2007. However, on July 12, 2010, he fled from Sassoon General Hospital when the police removed his handcuffs as he wanted to drink water.
The co-accused in the case Pramod Takale is still in custody, but after Nanaware’s disappearance, the trial has come to a halt.

Rupali’s father Dnyanoba Dhamale (63), a retired school teacher, said, “After the arrest of Raut, we are hopeful, that we too will get justice.”

Pune police commissioner Gulabrao Pol said, “Our team is investigating the case and we will soon nab the culprit.”

Defence lawyer Milind Pawar said, “After Nanaware’s escape, the process of the trial has come to a halt. Only charges have been framed against both the accused. Takale had planned to become the approver in the case, but before it Nanaware fled. The case is pending before additional sessions judge RH Mohammad.”