New Delhi: In a dramatic conclusion to a tense 75-hour manhunt, Dattatray Gade, the 37-year-old accused of raping a woman inside a bus at Pune’s Swargate depot, was finally apprehended. Gade, a serial offender with a history of multiple criminal cases, had been out on bail since 2019, sparking widespread outrage and calls for stricter laws against repeat offenders. The incident has ignited a national debate on women’s safety and the efficacy of current legal frameworks.
The Manhunt and Arrest
Gade’s arrest was the culmination of a massive search operation involving drones and over 100 police personnel. His extensive criminal record includes six registered cases of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching across Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. The police used a combination of technology and traditional methods, including a dog squad that tracked Gade’s scent from a changed shirt. Villagers played a crucial role in his capture, identifying him as he hid in a sugarcane field near his relatives’ house.
The Crime and Its Aftermath
The rape occurred early Tuesday when Gade misled the victim, a 26-year-old medical professional, into an empty Shiv Shahi bus at Swargate depot. He posed as a police officer, using a false name to gain her trust. CCTV footage and police records were instrumental in identifying Gade, leading to a Rs 1 lakh reward for information on his whereabouts. The incident has prompted a comprehensive security audit of all bus depots in Maharashtra, with calls for enhanced security measures, including more female guards and the appointment of an IPS officer to oversee security.
Impact and Debate
The case has reignited discussions on rape laws and the need for stricter punishment for repeat offenders. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has vowed to push for the maximum possible punishment, while others have suggested reviving “encounter squads” to deal with such offenders. The incident underscores the challenges in ensuring public safety, particularly for women, and highlights the need for effective legal and security reforms.
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