Absconder in gang rape case detained

Ahmedabad: Crime branch sleuths on Tuesday detained an absconder Hardik Shukla, 28, of Khokhra. Shukla is an accused in a gang rape case registered with Ramol police station in March 2019. The case was later transferred to Women’s police station.

Crime branch sources said that during primary interrogation of the accused he confessed that he along with other accused were booked in a gang rape case in Ramol.

A crime branch official said the victim, who died later, was raped by the accused who promised they will ensure she passes her ATKT exams. “The girl became pregnant and later died in the hospital after she took abortion pills. Other accused in the case, including a contractual employee of Gujarat University were arrested at that time,” said a crime branch official.

The case had struck the headlines as local police allegedly delayed registering an FIR though they were informed by the doctor of Civil Hospital about the patient.

Crime branch sources said that the accused has a criminal record including two murder cases. “The accused was involved in a murder in Nadiad and another was registered in Navrangpura police station. He has been arrested several times under the prohibition act too,” said a crime branch official