In a major breakthrough, Pune Police arrested Dattatray Ramdas Gade, the key accused in the rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a Shivshahi bus at Swargate bus station. The arrest took place in the early hours of Friday in Gunat village, Shirur Tehsil, about 100 km from Pune, after an intense search operation spanning multiple locations.
How the Crime Unfolded
On Tuesday morning around 5:45 am, the victim was waiting at Swargate bus station to board a bus to Phaltan. Gade allegedly approached her, pretending to assist, and told her that her bus was at a different platform. He then tricked her into entering an empty Shivshahi bus inside the depot, where he sexually assaulted her before escaping.
Massive Manhunt Leads to Arrest
The Pune Police launched a high-priority search operation, deploying:
- 100+ officers
- Drones and sniffer dogs
- Special crime branch teams
Gade was traced to his native village in Shirur, where he was hiding in a paddy field. He was arrested around 1:30 am on Friday and brought back to Pune for further investigation.
Who is Dattatray Gade?
Gade, 36 years old, is a history-sheeter with six criminal cases, including theft, robbery, and chain-snatching, registered in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. He was out on bail since 2019 in connection with previous offenses.
Official Response and Security Measures
The shocking crime has raised serious concerns about safety at public transport hubs. Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered a security audit of all Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) depots and bus stations. Additionally, a proposal will be sent to appoint an IPS officer as Chief Security and Vigilance Officer (CSVO), a post vacant since June 2022.
Political Reactions and Public Outrage
- Baramati MP Supriya Sule criticized authorities, revealing that Swargate depot officials had warned police about passenger harassment three days before the crime, yet no action was taken.
- Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SCP workers protested at Swargate, demanding stricter punishment and capital punishment for the accused.
A Wake-Up Call for Women’s Safety
This horrific crime has once again highlighted the lack of security for women at transport hubs. While Pune Police acted swiftly in catching the accused, many are questioning why preemptive action wasn’t taken when warnings were already issued.
With rising incidents of sexual violence, the public is demanding better surveillance, police presence, and accountability. The big question remains—will authorities take real steps to prevent such crimes in the future, or will another tragic incident shake the city again?
