Pune is reeling from shock and outrage following the alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary state transport bus at the Swargate bus stand. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about public safety and law enforcement in the city.
The accused, identified as 36-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, is a history-sheeter with a criminal record involving theft and chain-snatching cases. Gade, who has been out on bail since 2019, is currently on the run, with authorities launching a massive manhunt to apprehend him.
The survivor was waiting for a bus to Satara’s Phaltan when Gade approached her, addressing her as “didi” (sister). He deceitfully informed her that the bus for Satara had arrived at another platform and led her to an empty ‘Shiv Shahi’ AC bus parked elsewhere on the station premises. Despite her initial hesitation due to the lack of lights inside the bus, Gade convinced her to board. Once inside, he allegedly raped her and fled the scene.
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The Swargate police identified Gade with the help of CCTV footage, which has become a critical piece of evidence in the investigation. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders in Maharashtra, who have slammed the home department, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, for failing to curb rising crime in Pune.
In response to the public outcry, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has taken swift action, replacing all 23 security guards at the Swargate bus station. He has also directed Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Managing Director Vivek Bhimanwar to conduct a departmental inquiry and submit a detailed report within seven days.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described the incident as “extremely shameful, painful, and infuriating” and ordered Pune Police Commissioner to ensure the “immediate arrest” of the accused. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also taken serious note of the matter, directing the police to ensure the harshest punishment for the perpetrator.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and demanded immediate action from Maharashtra authorities. The NCW’s intervention underscores the gravity of the crime and the urgent need for accountability.
The incident has ignited public anger, with citizens demanding better safety measures at public transport hubs and stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such heinous crimes. The case has also highlighted the need for improved surveillance and security at bus stations, particularly during late hours.
As the search for Dattatraya Ramdas Gade intensifies, the Pune Police face mounting pressure to deliver justice and restore public confidence in the city’s law and order system. The alleged rape has not only exposed glaring lapses in security but also reignited the debate over the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with repeat offenders. For now, the city waits anxiously for the accused to be brought to justice and for concrete steps to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
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