Pune: In the early hours of February 25, a disturbing incident unfolded at Pune’s Swargate bus station, where a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a parked state transport bus. The accused, Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, a 36-year-old man with a history of criminal offenses, remains at large. This incident has sparked widespread concern about public safety, particularly given the proximity of the crime scene to a police station.
Gade, who has been out on bail since 2019, has a record of multiple cases involving theft, robbery, and chain-snatching in Pune and nearby areas. Authorities have formed eight teams to apprehend him, with Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil confirming that surveillance footage shows the woman walking with Gade towards the bus. The victim initially continued her journey, reporting the incident to the police after consulting a friend.
The bus, which had arrived from Solapur, was parked near a sugarcane juice shop due to space constraints at the station. Gade allegedly posed as a conductor to lure the victim into the vehicle. Police are examining CCTV footage and seeking technical assistance to track down the accused.
Background and Investigation
Gade’s criminal history includes cases registered in Shikrapur and Shirur police station limits. In 2024, he was summoned for a theft case in Pune. Police have questioned his brother as part of the investigation.
The incident has drawn criticism from political leaders, who argue that it reflects a failure in maintaining public safety despite the presence of nearby police posts. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with calls for a fast-track trial and severe punishment for the accused.
