In a significant development, Pune police have arrested Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, the prime suspect in the recent rape of a 26 year old woman inside a stationary bus at Pune’s Swargate bus station. The arrest occurred around midnight in Shirur Tehsil, following an intensive manhunt that lasted over two days.
The assault took place early Tuesday morning when the victim, employed in the medical sector, was waiting for transportation to Phaltan in Satara district. Gade allegedly approached her, addressing her as ‘didi’ , and misled her by stating that her bus was parked at a different platform. He then guided her to an unlit air-conditioned bus parked within the depot premises. Despite her initial hesitation, he convinced her to board the bus, where he subsequently committed the assault.
Following the incident, law enforcement agencies launched a massive search operation to apprehend Gade. Thirteen police teams were deployed across various locations, utilizing drones and sniffer dogs, particularly focusing on sugarcane fields in Shirur Tehsil, where Gade was believed to be hiding. Authorities also announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to his capture. The breakthrough came when Gade, who had been concealing himself in a farm, visited an acquaintance’s residence for a meal. The individual promptly informed the police, leading to Gade’s arrest.
Gade, 37, is a resident of Gunat village in Pune district and has a history of criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and chain-snatching, with at least six cases registered against him in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. He had been out on bail since 2019 in connection with one of these offenses.
The incident has prompted significant public outrage and demands for enhanced security measures at public transport hubs. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered an immediate security audit of all Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus stations and depots. He has also directed the removal of unauthorized buses and vehicles from depot premises by April 15, 2025, and emphasized the need for deploying more female security personnel to ensure passenger safety.
Additionally, Sarnaik has called for the appointment of an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer to the vacant position of Chief Security and Vigilance Officer in the State Transport Corporation to oversee and enhance security protocols.
Dhanya Reddy S
Alma Media School Student
