Police in Pune are grappling with a harrowing case following the discovery of three charred bodies near an abandoned factory in the Ranjangaon-Khandale area. A tattoo reading “Jai Bhim” on the hand of one victim has emerged as the most significant clue in the unfolding investigation.
The bodies — believed to be those of a woman, aged between 25 and 30, and her two young children — were found in a half-burned state early Sunday morning by factory workers near the Grovel company premises along the Ahilyanagar highway. Initial assessments suggest the victims were murdered elsewhere before being brought to the site, doused in petrol, and set ablaze in what police suspect was an attempt to destroy evidence.
Rainfall on the night of the incident likely prevented the fire from fully consuming the bodies, allowing investigators to recover key forensic material. Post-mortem examinations are currently underway to confirm the cause of death and gather further details.
With the bodies severely burned and facial recognition impossible, the “Jai Bhim” tattoo on the woman’s hand has become central to efforts to identify the victims. The tattoo, a tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is a widely recognized symbol of Dalit pride and is common in specific communities and labor settlements in the region. Investigators are now combing through missing persons reports across Pune and adjoining districts, focusing on these areas.
Speaking from the crime scene, District Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed that all investigative resources have been mobilized. “This is a brutal and deeply disturbing crime. We are treating this case with the utmost urgency,” he said.
Crime branch units, forensic experts, and canine squads have been deployed to the scene, though inclement weather has hindered parts of the investigation. Teams are also reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area and collecting technical evidence to reconstruct the timeline of the crime.
The gruesome nature of the case — particularly the killing of two young children — has shocked the local community, prompting demands for swift justice. Police are continuing to interview local residents and factory workers, hoping that someone may have seen the victims or can identify the tattoo.
As of now, the “Jai Bhim” tattoo remains the only concrete lead. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information that may assist in identifying the victims or lead to the arrest of those responsible.
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