Pune Police Crack Down on Gang Targeting Men Through Gay Dating App
The Pune City Police have made a significant breakthrough by arresting a gang of five individuals allegedly involved in a series of robberies targeting men using the popular LGBTQIA+ dating application, Grindr. This operation sheds light on a disturbing pattern of crimes where perpetrators exploit the vulnerability and privacy concerns of individuals seeking same-sex relationships.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The case came to light following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by a 27-year-old man from Wagholi at the Kondhwa police station. According to the FIR, the victim, who works for a private company, was traveling by bus from the Katraj-Kondhwa road towards Swargate on the evening of January 11 when he received a message from a profile named "ImTop" on a dating platform. The individual behind this profile, identified as Rahil, initiated contact and later communicated with the victim via WhatsApp.
Rahil arranged a meeting in Kondhwa around 9 PM. Upon arriving at the designated spot, the victim was approached by Rahil and an accomplice on a two-wheeler. They persuaded him to accompany them to Rahil's supposed residence in the Yewalewadi area. However, they diverted to an open space in Pansare Nagar, where Rahil called two additional associates.
The group then subjected the victim to a brutal assault, threatening him with a koyta (machete). They proceeded to rob him of his mobile phone, a gold chain, two gold rings, a silver ring, and Rs 800 in cash. Furthermore, they forcibly obtained his ATM card and PIN, subsequently withdrawing Rs 10,500 from his bank account.
Victim's Reluctance and Police Action
Fearing exposure to his family, the victim initially hesitated to report the incident. However, after confiding in a relative, he mustered the courage to lodge an official complaint on January 20. A dedicated team led by Senior Police Inspector Kumar Gahadge from the Kondhwa police station immediately launched a thorough investigation.
Police meticulously examined footage from multiple CCTV cameras around the crime scene and other relevant locations. They also traced the mobile number used by the accused to contact the victim. Based on crucial inputs from police personnel Pushpendra Chavan and Suhan More, the suspects were apprehended near the residence of the main accused, Rahil Shaikh, within a single day.
Identities of the Accused and Legal Charges
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Rahil Akil Shaikh (19) from Kondhwa Budruk
- Nuhan Naeem Shaikh (18) from Kondhwa Budruk
- Wahid Dastagir Shaikh (18) from Kondhwa Khurd
- Shahid Shahnoor Momin (25) from Katraj
- Ishan Nisar Shaikh (25) from Katraj
They have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including 309(4), 115(2), 352, 351(2)(3), and 3(5). Police Sub-Inspector Ravindra Gawade, the investigating officer, revealed that the probe has uncovered at least two additional victims targeted through Grindr, both of whom have filed separate FIRs at the Kondhwa police station.
Modus Operandi and Previous Criminal Records
The accused specifically targeted men looking for same-sex connections on dating apps, operating under the assumption that victims would be reluctant to report the crimes due to societal stigma. One of the accused, Ishan Shaikh, has a prior criminal record involving three cases, including one under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), and was out on bail at the time of these incidents.
During the investigation, police recovered three stolen mobile phones, a koyta, and the two-wheelers used in the crimes. The accused have been remanded to police custody until January 23, and authorities are seeking further custody in connection with cases filed by two additional victims.
Details of Additional Cases
In one such case, a 24-year-old man from Pisoli, employed at a private company in Wakad, was contacted through Grindr and lured to the Kausar Baug area in Kondhwa on the evening of December 28, 2025. The accused robbed him of his cell phone, ornaments, and other valuables totaling approximately Rs 33,300, while threatening him with a sharp weapon. He filed an FIR late on January 20.
Another victim, a 32-year-old man from Kondhwa working at a prominent city hospital, was robbed of his cell phone and money worth around Rs 30,000 on December 31, 2025. Although he filed an FIR on January 1, he initially omitted details about the dating app. Subsequent investigations confirmed that he too was targeted through Grindr.
Historical Context and Police Advisory
This is not an isolated incident in Pune. In July of the previous year, police arrested two individuals for allegedly robbing a 22-year-old restaurant staffer after contacting him through a dating app for LGBTQ persons. In that case, the victim filed an FIR at the Nanded City Police station.
Authorities have observed a recurring pattern where perpetrators register on dating apps solely to target gay individuals. Many victims hesitate to come forward, fearing familial repercussions. The Pune police have issued a strong advisory, urging people to exercise extreme caution while using dating applications and to report any criminal activities to law enforcement immediately without delay.
