Horror In Pune: Woman Raped Inside State Transport Bus Near Police Station, Massive Outrage Erupts

The horrific incident has reignited debates on women’s safety and the efficiency of law enforcement.

By
Rajkaran Bureau
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pune

In a shocking and horrifying incident, a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a state transport bus at Pune’s Swargate bus stand in the early hours of Tuesday. The assault occurred just meters away from a police station, raising serious concerns over women’s safety in public spaces.

The Incident

The victim, who was waiting for a Phaltan-bound bus at 5:45 AM, was approached by a man who misleadingly directed her to another platform, claiming her bus had arrived. The accused, identified as 36-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, led her to an unoccupied ‘Shiv Shahi’ AC bus within the premises. Initially hesitant to enter the dark vehicle, she was coaxed inside, where the accused allegedly overpowered and raped her before fleeing the scene.

The woman, despite the trauma, courageously continued her journey but later decided to report the assault after discussing it with a friend. She promptly filed a complaint, leading the police to launch a massive manhunt for the suspect.

Police Investigation & Manhunt

CCTV footage from the bus stand helped police identify Gade, who has a criminal background with multiple cases of theft and chain-snatching in Shikrapur and Shirur police jurisdictions. Eight special police teams, along with a canine unit, have been deployed to track him down.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil stated, “The accused has been identified, and all efforts are being made to nab him. The victim is stable and has provided a detailed statement.” A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Political and Public Outrage

The crime has sparked outrage across Maharashtra, with political leaders condemning the government’s failure to curb rising crime rates.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar termed the incident “extremely shameful, painful, and infuriating,” demanding the harshest punishment, including the death penalty, for the accused. “I have personally instructed Pune Police to ensure immediate arrest. CM Devendra Fadnavis has also taken this incident seriously,” he assured.

Opposition leaders slammed the BJP-led government, with NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule criticizing the failure of the home department. “This crime happened right next to a police post, yet criminals roam fearlessly in Pune. The trial must be held in a fast-track court,” she demanded.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal also expressed concern over increasing sexual assault cases, saying, “When the Nirbhaya incident occurred, the people changed the regime. The BJP-led government boasts about women’s welfare schemes but ignores real issues like security.”

Public Protest Turns Violent

Amid growing anger, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers vandalized the security office at Swargate bus stand, breaking windows and damaging furniture. Women activists took to the streets, raising slogans against the Maharashtra government’s inaction. “If a woman can be raped right in front of a security cabin, what kind of safety can the government guarantee?” questioned activist Vasant More, justifying the protests.

Demand for Justice

The horrific incident has reignited debates on women’s safety and the efficiency of law enforcement. Many are demanding stricter policing at transport hubs and stringent punishment for the accused. As Pune police intensify their hunt for Gade, citizens hope for swift justice and a stronger system to prevent such heinous crimes in the future.